Riccardo Maresca, “Shipping is a creature in constant evolution”

Riccardo Maresca is a legal advisor at the MSC Shipping office in Durban. We met him on a splendid late summer morning at his office in front of a good cup of espresso.

HOW WAS THE ARRIVAL IN THE AFRICAN LAND?

It was wonderful to see all this vegetation from the plane and then a long walk on the beach with merchant ships on the horizon. I immediately felt pampered by this welcoming place and the feeling was immediate.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE FOR A CAREER IN SHIPPING?

I was fascinated by the idea of a career not limited to national borders that could be intertwined with new international law issues but at the same time that required a pragmatic approach to problem solving.

Non-operators in the sector often have the conception that a career in shipping is limited around maritime transport. Shipping is a creature in constant evolution and that today is diversified in the various ancillary sectors of land transport, in warehouse management and in the field of deposit construction able to offer more and more services and steal customers from the competition.

WOULD YOU SUGGEST A SIMILAR CAREER IN THE MARITIME SECTOR TO YOUNG PEOPLE?

Certainly, especially if you are curious and interested in learning something new every day. Shipping rewards mobility in the sector and prepares for careers in ever-thriving and hunting talent markets.

HOW WAS IT TO START WORKING ON THE MSC AND HOW ARE YOU WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES?

MSC is a family. The value of the company is in the union of all the members of the Group to create a cohesive team that leads to a rapid decision for the solution of any problem. My colleagues are wonderful persons work-driven and create a beautiful Group spirit

HOW ARE YOU LOOKED AT BY THE LOCALS?

I don’t know, we should ask them. I am a sports person and I share many outdoor activities with South African friends who love sports.

DO YOU MISS PASTA AND PIZZA?

Mama’s pasta a lot but we still manage to do it anyway at home. When it comes to pizza, I miss the buffalo mozzarella pizza a lot.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE AFRICA TO YOUR FRIENDS IN ITALY?

A cradle of civilization in continuous evolution that welcomes you with warmth and offers you so much.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

Definitely. Here it is not all done like our old Europe. I like to question myself every day.

SOMETHING THAT DURBAN TAUGHT YOU.

To prepare a good grill or even a good braai and embrace the simple but often forgotten values.