A shipping firm has ended its year on a high after scooping a prestigious industry award.

Ipswich-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Ltd (MSC UK) is celebrating a successful year, culminating in it clinching the Container Line of the Year title.

The award, which was presented at the 2014 Global Freight Awards, is voted for by customers and recognises the shipping line for delivering excellent customer service throughout the year.

Managing director Daniel Everitt said it was “a fantastic way to end 2014”.

“Our team are committed to delivering a great customer experience and I’m so proud that this has been recognised by our customers,” he said.

The company, which employs more than 500 people at its office in The Havens, Ipswich, has also taken part in a wide range of charity fundraising activities throughout the year.

The firm has presented MacMillan Cancer Support, the cause chosen by its employees, with more than £20,900 this year.

Employees took part in weekly dress down days, bake sales, raffles, quiz nights, sporting activities and got sponsorship to raise the funds.

Mandy Jordan, fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Macmillan wants to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer.

“To make sure no-one has to face cancer alone, we need to raise more money to fund our support services and develop new ones.

“The monies that MSC staff have raised over the past year will fund a local Macmillan Nurse for almost six months and will make a lasting difference to the lives of many people affected by cancer and we are extremely grateful to them for supporting us.”

To end the year, the firm has extended its support to local community causes by donating educational logistics board games to a number of Suffolk’s schools and training providers, and is already making plans to continue its community support in the New Year by donating its office Christmas tree to the chimpanzee enclosure at Colchester Zoo.

Mr Everitt said: “December is naturally a busy time of year for us as our teams work hard to deliver Christmas to the UK in our containers.

“I’m always humbled by the commitment of the people in our organisation to continue to support charities and our local community even during this incredibly busy period.

“I’m so pleased for the team that we’ve been able to finish 2014 on a high with this fantastic award.”