MSC Japan Celebrates 25 Years of Charting Success

MSC is thrilled to be celebrating its 25 years of connecting Japan to the world! A leading global container shipping company, MSC officially embarked on its journey in the Land of the Rising Sun in 1999, establishing its principal office in Tokyo and a branch office in Osaka.

From a humble beginning of 13 staff and moving 12 TEUs on its inaugural voyage, MSC Japan has evolved tremendously to become a market leader in the country. Today, it is powered by 120 valued employees across its Tokyo and Nagoya offices dedicated to servicing the needs of customers, and shipping a substantial volume of cargo per week in facilitating global connections for businesses in Japan.

How MSC Bridges Japan with the World
• Direct calls at 7 Japanese ports and cover over 40 other local ports with commercial feeders.
• 7 mainline services linking Japan with the world.
• Leveraging MSC’s comprehensive global network to provide connections to other services at transshipment ports such as Busan, Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas.
• A diversified business model, encompassing not just container shipping but also inland logistics, air cargo, customs clearance and comprehensive insurance solution.

While the 25 years presented challenges including recessions and natural disasters, MSC Japan remained resilient in overcoming the consequential impact of these difficulties to serve its clients’ transportation needs. Committed to the Japanese market, it has continued to evolve and expand its local presence.

In 2008, it established the Nagoya branch office to better service the Tokai region. Thereafter in 2011, MSC Japan expanded its Tokyo principal office by relocating to the strategic location of ARK Mori Building. More recently in 2023, it commenced collaboration with Japan Railways Group to provide container rail transport, expanding its wide range of value-added services. These enhancements complement MSC’s ongoing improvements to its various trade services that provided more competitive transit times and broader coverage.

MSC Japan Expresses Appreciation to Key Stakeholders
On 30 May 2024, MSC Japan celebrated its silver jubilee with 270 employees, business partners and government authorities. Themed “Gratitude”, the anniversary event aimed to express MSC’s appreciation to its key stakeholders for 25 years of collaboration and excellence in Japan.

Masahide Kai, Managing Director of MSC Japan, said, “Since our inception in Japan, our focus has been on delivering market-leading customer service. To do so, we prioritise building trusted partnerships, offering personalised business approach and providing strong local market knowledge. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to providing the best customer service possible while facilitating global trade for our clients in Japan.”

Sailing Towards a More Successful Future in Japan
In its ongoing commitment to the local market, MSC Japan’s forward-looking plans include enhancing the coverage of its ramp offering, expanding inland depot coverage and broadening its repertoire of value-added services, to further connect Japan with the world.

Contact our local teams to discuss how we can connect your businesses in Japan to the world for decades to come!