Two MSC crewmen have been arrested in the US on charges of drug smuggling.
Authorities found more than 15.5 tonnes of cocaine on board the 9,962-teu MSC Gayane (built 2018) at the Port of Philadelphia, it was reported on Tuesday.
The drugs are worth $1bn.
NBC reported a senior law enforcement official as saying the cocaine was found in seven containers.
The vessel had called in Colombia, Chile, Panama and the Bahamas.
The two seafarers were charged with trafficking, according to a complaint filed by the US Attorney's Office.
Other crew members were also allegedly involved, the complaint said.
Admissions of guilt
The ship's second mate, identified as Ivan Durasevic, allegedly admitted to "his role in bringing the cocaine on board the vessel," the federal complaint said.
"Upon leaving Peru on this current voyage, he got a call from the chief officer to come down to the deck, at which time he saw nets on the port side stern by the ship's crane," the complaint said.
"Durasevic and approximately four other individuals, some of whom were wearing ski masks, assisted in the pushing of the nets toward hold seven or eight of the vessel."
He said, according to the complaint, that he was paid $50,000 by the chief officer, who has not been identified.
Another crew member, identified as Fonofaavae Tiasaga, also allegedly admitted to partaking in loading cocaine on the ship, including on a previous voyage, the complaint said.
"Prior to departing on the voyage, the ship's electrician and the chief mate also approach Tiasaga and asked if he was willing to help again," the complaint states. "According to Tiasaga, each of these four crew members coordinated individual loads of cocaine."
MSC taking matter seriously
MSC said it was aware of reports of the incident.
"MSC takes this matter very seriously and is grateful to the authorities for identifying any suspected abuse of its services," it added.
"Unfortunately, shipping and logistics companies are from time to time affected by trafficking problems.
"MSC has a longstanding history of cooperating with US federal law enforcement agencies to help disrupt illegal narcotics trafficking and works closely with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)."
The owner said it is committed to working with authorities and industry groups worldwide to improve the security of the international supply chain and ensure that illegal practices are dealt with promptly and thoroughly by the relevant authorities.
