GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – (October 30, 2026) Harold J. Daggett, President, and Dennis A. Daggett, Executive Vice President, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), traveled to Europe this week to meet with the leaders of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a historic gathering that brought together the world’s strongest maritime union and the largest container shipping company.
Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Founder and Group Chairman, and his son, Diego Aponte, the company’s current Group President, along with other MSC Executives warmly greeted the ILA delegation, that included Kenneth Oelkers, ILA International Educational Director; and Brian Porter, International ILA Representative. The two sides hailed the gathering with positive optimism, signaling the start of stronger mutual cooperation between the ILA longshore union and its largest employer. They discussed what lies ahead in the shipping industry and committed to building a working relationship with an open dialogue as they look towards the future and the challenges they will face.
ILA President Daggett presented the Aponte family with an etched glass piece, inscribed with message: “In recognition of your exceptional vision, leadership and lifelong dedication to building MSC into a global maritime Leader, your commitment to excellence charts a course for future generations. We salute our shared commitment to our maritime heritage and the strong bond of cooperation between the ILA and MSC. Presented by Harold J. Daggett, President; Dennis A. Daggett, Executive Vice President, on behalf of the International Longshoremen’s Association.
The Aponte Family presented President Daggett with a Silver replica of an MSC container ship. (Photo ). From left to right, Dennis A. Daggett, ILA Executive Vice President; Harold J. Daggett, International President; Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Founder and Group Chairman; and Diego Aponte, MSC Group President.
In the photograph, (at) left to right:
-Ammar Kanaan, Chief Executive Officer, Terminal Investment Limited (TIL)
-Jordi Aragunde, IDC Labor Coordinator
-Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International Executive Vice President
-Harold J. Daggett, ILA International President
-Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Founder and Group Founder
-Diego Aponte, MSC Group President
-Kenny Oelkers, ILA International Education Director
-Brian Porter, ILA Representative/Local 1804-1 Business Agent
-Soren Toft, MSC Chief Executive Officer
