MACS Maritime Carrier GmbH & Co was founded in 1970 by Felix Scheder-Bieschin Senior and is today involved in Shipping and Transport activities world-wide. The main activity of MACS is the Multipurpose Liner Service between the United Kingdom/Europe and Southern Africa which commenced in 1979. In 1983 MACS incorporated the service of a competitor, AESL, owned by Steenkool & Handelsvereeniging (SHV) of Rotterdam. The integration of AESL into the MACS service substantially increased the lines' capacity in terms of vessels and containers. In 1992 MACS joined the Europe Southern Africa Conference to be appointed the official Multipurpose Carrier of the Conference. In 1997 the fleet has been modernised by adding three new Multipurpose Container vessels. They are designed specifically and tailor-made for the requirements of the Europe-Southern Africa trade. With this fleet renewal program MACS is well positioned to take on the challenges of the future. From its inception MACS' service has been well known for its reliable and flexible operation. MACS' ability to combine Containers, Project Cargoes, RoRo, Heavy Lifts, General Cargo, Dry and Liquid Bulk has made MACS the success it is today. MACS is owned by a family partnership and has maintained its identity throughout the last 25 years. On the Board of Directors the next generation is already represented, complementing the experience of age with its initiative and spirit of innovation.