Maersk rides 'new era of volatility' to higher profitability, lifts 2026 guidance 

According to its updated financial guidance, Maersk now expects underlying EBITDA of US$10.5-12.5Bn, up from US$8-10Bn previously, and underlying EBIT of US$4.5-6.5Bn, compared with US$2-4Bn previously.

The revised guidance is based on an outlook for global container market volume growth of about 4% for full-year 2026.

Maersk chief executive Vincent Clerc noted that the second quarter was “another proof point of the new era of heightened volatility we have entered.”

“From ports to inland transportation, we are seeing increased congestion and disruption across multiple geographies,” he said.

Mr Clerc emphasised Maersk’s focus on helping customers respond quickly to changing conditions and maintain the integrity of their supply chains.

“With bottlenecks remaining deeply entrenched, we must continue to invest in critical trade infrastructure and scale to keep delivering the best possible value to our customers,” he noted.

Turning to market fundamentals, the company said that, as traffic flows through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, inbound cargo destined for the Gulf was rerouted to alternative ports and transported via inland routes. Ocean capacity affected by the disruption was swiftly redeployed to other growing trade lanes.

According to Maersk, growth was particularly strong in imports into Africa, North America and Latin America, supported by continued momentum in exports from the Far East, particularly China.

Ocean spot rates increased significantly during the quarter, driven by strong demand, growing imbalances in trade flows, tight capacity and rising port congestion in Europe, the Middle East, the East Coast of South America and West Africa.

Against this backdrop, Maersk posted revenue of US$15.8Bn in Q2 2026, up 20% year-on-year from US$13.1Bn. The Ocean segment was the main contributor, increasing revenue by US$2Bn.

Meanwhile, EBITDA rose to US$3Bn from US$2.3Bn, while EBIT increased to US$1.6Bn from US$845M.

Highlighting its investments during the period, Maersk said the inauguration by APM Terminals of its terminal in Suape, Brazil, representing a US$350M investment and the first fully electrified container terminal on the continent, was a major milestone.

In Vietnam, APM Terminals and Hateco Group signed an agreement with Da Nang City to build and operate the Lien Chieu Container Terminal. The project represents an investment of more than US$1.7Bn.

Riviera reported last week that Maersk, along with the world’s two other largest liner operators, is preparing major orders for giant dual-fuel container vessels.