Mediterranean Shipping plans Charleston expansion

Mediterranean Shipping plans Charleston expansion Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world's second-largest container carrier, said it will expand operations in the Charleston, S.C. region.
   The company, which is one of the last major carriers with U.S. headquarters in Manhattan, said it is planning a $7 million capital investment, and will move from a 20,000-square-foot location to a 45,000-square-foot location in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The new South Atlantic corporate headquarters will double employment from 200 to 400 in the area.
   “MSC has grown exponentially in recent years and will continue to grow as we add new generation mega-containerships,” said Vice President Sergio Fedelini. “Charleston has been able to offer us what many other locations have not — great incentives, a dedicated workforce and reasonable coastal living. We could have located anywhere. Being near a port is not required for daily operations, but it is a very nice benefit.”
   According to AXS-Alphaliner, MSC operates a fleet of 345 containerships with capacity of more than 1.1 million TEU — 209 owned ships, 136 leased. The company also has another 37 ships on order that will boost its capacity by more than 317,000 TEU.
   MSC has 20 offices in North America.