The MSC Foundation
The MSC Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2018 to implement the MSC Group’s marine conservation, humanitarian, and sustainable development commitments worldwide.
The MSC Foundation is family-led and reflects the vision and values of its founders.
The MSC Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2018 to implement the MSC Group’s marine conservation, humanitarian, and sustainable development commitments worldwide.
The MSC Foundation is family-led and reflects the vision and values of its founders.
Our Vision
To restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation.
The MSC Foundation is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility for the planet and its resources, particularly the oceans, embracing Captain Gianluigi Aponte’s vision that “we all have a duty to leave a better world for future generations.”
Our Mission
To utilise MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action that protects and nurtures the blue planet and its people.
Working in synergy, the MSC Foundation leverages the MSC Group’s maritime expertise to support long-term programmes with leading partners, assisting communities in need.
MESSAGES FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Discover personal insights from our leadership on our journey through this sixth year of advancing science and creating pathways for progress.
Discover the personal insights from our leadership into our journey as we celebrate five years of impact and innovation.
“The MSC Foundation’s concrete actions to care for people and planet express the values at the heart of our family.
Through committed partnerships, we are driving transformative change to build a more sustainable and compassionate world for future generations.”
Captain GIANLUIGI APONTE,
Chair of the Board
“In 2024, the MSC Foundation significantly expanded its marine conservation and ocean literacy programmes and initiatives, preparing the ground for an important step change in the very near future.
From supporting innovative research to building our Marine Conservation Center and restoring seagrass habitats, we advanced science-driven solutions to safeguard our oceans and preserve marine ecosystems.”
PIERFRANCESCO VAGO,
Executive Committee Chair
“Our impact is powered by close partnership, from translating scientific knowledge into meaningful conservation actions, to building a new hospital ship that will dramatically expand access to life-saving surgical care for the most vulnerable.
Together, we are restoring ecosystems, engaging with communities, and harnessing the power of leading specialists to secure a sustainable future for planet and people.”
DANIELA PICCO,
Executive Director
Highlights 2024
Discover our key highlights from 2024 — from the people we reached to the countries we worked in, and the programmes and initiatives we supported. Scroll down to dive into our story!
to programmes and initiatives
Our focus areas
Community Support
Environmental Conservation
Education
Emergency
Explore our initiatives on the map: pass the cursor over a country and click to discover the programmes and initiatives we’ve carried out in 2024.
Discover our work around the world
Environmental Conservation
Community Support
Education
Emergency Relief
Scroll through our timeline
scroll through our timeline
12 months of milestones: scroll through the timeline to follow our year as it unfolded, month by month!
12 months of milestones: scroll through the timeline to follow our year as it unfolded, month by month!
“Through strong partnerships and networks, in 2024 we advanced marine conservation by integrating scientific research, evidence-based restoration, education, and public awareness-raising.”
Marina Anselme, Secretary General, MSC Foundation
With our unique knowledge of the sea, we are keenly aware of the increasing fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. We are committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that protect and restore our blue planet’s natural resources, varied species and human habitats. Discover what advancements we made in 2023 in our Environmental Conservation and Education focus areas:
For the planet
Super Coral Reefs Programme
Our coral nursery in Ocean Cay thrived, with 452 new coral fragments prepared for outplanting. We also welcomed two new partners, the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute and the University of The Bahamas, and hosted a coral experts’ workshop to advance reef restoration. The first phase of our Marine Conservation Centre was completed, with key facilities built to support marine research.
Seagrass Restoration and Ocean Literacy
Il Mare a Scuola
We proudly supported Marevivo’s “Il Mare a Scuola” public awareness campaign, spanning 10 days aboard the Motor Ship Patrizia, traveling 1,200 nautical miles and stopping in Naples, Palermo, Livorno, and Genoa. It engaged over 1,000 students, dozens of institutional representatives, and members of the media through roundtables with 50 education, marine conservation, and policy experts.
Coral awareness-raising
3 graduate student interns from Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami trained at Ocean Cay and were supported in their research studies. 2 of them also contributed to public engagement, co-developing an interactive Scavenger Hunt game in Ocean Cay to promote marine conservation awareness.
Guardian Dolphins
We have been supporting Marevivo’s Guardian Dolphins since 2015. This educational programme for primary school children aged 8-10 is delivered annually in schools on 11 minor Italian islands and the town of Milazzo in Sicily to raise awareness of marine biodiversity, sustainable development, and conservation of marine protected areas. In 2024, the programme reached 29 schools and 94 classes, involving 1,637 students and 308 teachers.
Nauticinblu
Nauticinblu is a training programme for students in nautical institute secondary schools aged between 15 and 17. Designed by Marevivo and the MSC Foundation, it equips them with the necessary tools to navigate the ongoing ecological transition and sustainably manage the planet. In 2024, the programme engaged 1,324 Nautical Institute students across Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal, and involved 110 teachers and managers. It reached 19 cities and 19 schools, with 59 classes in total.
Mangroves Forest Restoration
The MSC Foundation and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future signed a five-year partnership to restore up to 40 hectares of mangrove forests. In 2024, 28,900 mangrove seedlings were added to the inland nursery, achieving a 97% germination rate. Additionally, two coastal nurseries were installed for testing, with 7,000 small trees being cultivated.
Pangaea X
We supported the Horn Foundation’s Pangaea X programme to empower young innovators in developing environmental solutions aligned with the SDGs. In 2024, the programme expanded with a Hackathon in Côte d’Ivoire, complementing the European edition. Across both, 67 young participants from 6 countries took part, and 111 projects were submitted. Of these, 11 were selected for further development, 3 received funding, and 5 entered incubation with mentorship and expert guidance.
For the people
“Last year we deepened our commitment to communities by investing more in healthcare, education and strengthening predictable support for humanitarian aid in climate emergencies.”
Marina Anselme, Secretary General, MSC Foundation
Planet and people are interconnected: one cannot exist without the other. Discover some of our milestones in emergency relief and community support.
Building a new hospital ship
In 2024, the MSC Foundation and MSC Group launched a joint initiative to build the Atlantic Mercy, a sister ship to the Global Mercy. Made possible by a significant donation from MSC and technical support from an MSC team of 18, the ship is set to sail by 2029, doubling Mercy Ships’ capacity for life-changing surgical care and medical training.
From Plastic Bricks to Classrooms
In 2024, our partnership with UNICEF continued to transform learning environments in Côte d’Ivoire, creating brighter futures for thousands of children. We rehabilitated 24 classrooms and five principals’ offices, equipped 59 classrooms with school materials, and distributed 5,000 school kits. As a result, 10,970 children now have improved learning conditions, and 18,978 teachers and pedagogical advisers received training.
Transforming patient care and research
In 2024, the MSC Foundation began a new partnership with the HUG Foundation, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) to advance cancer research and care. Key achievements include the formation of a Scientific Council, the selection of two research projects and fellowships, and 20% progress in upgrading sample storage and infrastructure for precision oncology.
Ships of Hope
In 2024, the MSC Foundation continued supporting Mercy Ships with ocean transport and logistics, enabling the treatment of 5,027 patients, 3,250 surgeries, and over 13,200 dental procedures. Additionally, 923 medical professionals and community leaders were trained, and 121 containers of supplies were transported free of charge.
Emergency Relief
In 2024, the MSC Foundation assisted 39,260 people through 13 emergency relief operations across 12 countries, responding to seven new crises and continuing aid in four. We supported 14 beneficiary organisations and strengthened our partnership with UNHCR to accelerate emergency shipments to Africa. Beyond immediate relief, we supported rebuilding classrooms, restoring water systems, and reforesting storm-damaged areas.
YOMA
In Côte d’Ivoire, we worked with UNICEF to empower thousands of young people through education, entrepreneurship, and environmental action. A total of 12,528 participated in face-to-face training, while 13,168 engaged in YOMA online courses. 47 young innovators pitched business ideas, with 5 projects entering incubation. Additionally, 13,359 adolescents and youth took part in clean-ups, reforestation, and awareness campaigns, while 4 internships were completed and 150 more secured for the future.
NYC Junior Ambassadors
With our support, the NYC Junior Ambassadors (NYCJA) programme empowered 740 students and 41 teachers from 20 schools, each receiving $500 to develop community-led initiatives. The programme fostered global perspectives and soft skills, engaging 16 Ambassadors and over 60 UN officials.
NYC Parks GreenThumbs
Through the NYC Parks GreenThumbs initiative, we enhanced 7 community gardens in South Brooklyn, supporting 264 gardeners and their families with materials, technical assistance, and educational workshops to foster resilience and community well-being.
Meet our partners
For the Planet
For the People
IN FOCUS
From advancing ocean literacy on a global scale to expanding life-saving surgical care in Africa and advocating for environmental education in schools, 2024 has been a year of action and transformation. Here, we spotlight three powerful initiatives – told through the voices of our partners themselves.
Discover the personal insights from our leadership into our journey as we celebrate five years of impact and innovation.
Discover our works on the waves
On MSC Cruises Ships
Aboard MSC Cruises, the MSC Foundation engages guests through six MSC Foundation Centres featuring interactive displays and a dedicated Representative. Every voyage includes an MSC Foundation Day, where 90,000 young guests in 2024 participated in fun, educational activities – culminating in a high-energy parade featuring Everybody Loves the Sea, our new anthem celebrating marine life, composed by Il Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano. Guests can support our mission by donating or purchasing items from our branded collection, with proceeds funding impactful programmes.
On Explora Journeys Ships
The MSC Foundation has expanded its presence with a dedicated Area on EXPLORA II, offering interactive experiences guided by a Host. Every journey features an MSC Foundation Day, inspiring young guests to care for the ocean through engaging activities, including the new The O.M. – Ocean Messenger game developed with Mission Blue. Guests can also explore Marine Encounters, a striking photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan, showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine life. Limited-edition prints are available for purchase, with proceeds funding marine science scholarships in The Bahamas.
I am overjoyed to witness the enthusiasm and strong support from MSC Cruises’ guests for our initiatives. Their true appreciation and readiness to contribute inspire me on a daily basis. Being part of the MSC Foundation team is a privilege, as it lets me turn my passion into tangible action—enabling others to have a meaningful impact on our planet and its people.
Emanuel Antonio Vasquez Almonte
MSC Foundation Representative on MSC Virtuosa
Grant Allocation by
focus area
A FULL GROUP FUNDING COMMITMENT
100%
100% DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO OUR PROGRAMMES & INITIATIVES
Significantly increasing our Foundation’s resources, the MSC Group reaffirmed its commitment to fund-match every onboard donation made by MSC Cruises’s guests, allowing to strengthen the Foundation’s capacities to deliver and oversee the timely and effective implementation of its programmes and initiatives.
THANK YOU!
None of this would have been possible without you: our partners, donors, colleagues, volunteers, MSC Cruises guests and Advisory Board. Thank you for being a part of our journey to leave the world a better place for future generations.
