Italian authorities have finalized a settlement agreement resolving the dispute between Moby Lines, MSC, and its ferry subsidiary Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV). The country’s antitrust authority approved the deal, concluding that brand consolidation under MSC’s control could potentially threaten market competition.
A key part of the agreement includes the sale of five Moby ferries, with proceeds directed toward repaying loans granted by MSC in 2023 to maintain the company’s solvency. Following the restructuring, MSC Shipping Agencies Services, which owns 49% of Moby’s shares, has agreed to transfer this stake—and the option to acquire the remaining 51%—back to the Onorato Group.
To execute the settlement, the court has scheduled an online auction for November 12. The five vessels will be sold as a single lot with a starting price of €229.9 million (≈ $264.2 million). If the proceeds are insufficient to cover the outstanding debt, the remaining balance will be transferred to a third-party entity.
The lot includes two ferries owned by Moby Lines — Moby Aki and Moby Wonder — which must remain chartered to Moby for 15 years under the auction terms.
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Moby Wonder (36,000 GT) was built in South Korea in 2001 and can accommodate 2,200 passengers and 750 cars.
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Moby Aki (36,000 GT) was built by Fincantieri in 2005 and carries up to 2,000 passengers and 665 cars.
Three additional ferries owned by Moby’s subsidiary Tirrenia are also part of the auction:
Moby Ale Due (2001, 35,736 GT, 2,700 passengers, 900 cars), Athara (2003), and Janas (2002). Each of these vessels measures 35,736 GT and accommodates about 2,700 passengers and 820 cars.
According to Moby, the settlement will strengthen its financial stability, enabling the company to focus on consolidating services and investing in newer, more efficient vessels.
The decision marks a rare setback for MSC and the Aponte family, whose expansion strategy has been largely successful in recent years. In 2023, MSC effectively rescued Moby from insolvency by providing financial support and acquiring vessels. Competitor Grimaldi Group opposed the merger, citing reduced competition and high market entry barriers, but its objections were rejected by regulators.
As part of the settlement, passengers with active ferry bookings will be entitled to compensation.
