MSC Group chief executive Diego Aponte says the company sees maintaining cargo flow as a duty during what he called a "public health issue unprecedented in our lifetimes."

In an open letter, the boss of the Switzerland-based boxship and cruiseship company said the pandemic has triggered an unexpected shock for societies and economies.

"During this troubling period, my family and I feel closer than ever to our people across all our businesses and to our customers around the globe," he said.