This comes as MSC has been steadily strengthening its ro-pax operations over the past few years through its Naples-based subsidiary, SNAV, reports AXS-Alphaliner News.
It said SNAV entered the ro-ro freight market in 2002 through the acquisition of second-hand tonnage, and currently operates five overnight ro-ro-passenger ships.
The possible purchase of Tirrenia by MSC would help the shipping line become a significant player in the short sea-ro-ro market.
Tirrenia has a fleet of over 70 vessels operating exclusively in the Mediterranean region.