Maersk Reports Strong First Quarter Volume Growth Across Shipping, Logistics and Terminal Operations Despite Market Volatility

Maersk Reports Strong First Quarter Volume Growth Across Shipping, Logistics and Terminal Operations Despite Market Volatility

(IN BRIEF) Maersk delivered solid first-quarter 2026 financial results driven by strong shipment growth across Ocean, Logistics & Services and Terminals operations. The company recorded EBIT of USD 340 million as demand for global container trade remained resilient despite continued market volatility, geopolitical tensions and pressure on freight rates caused by industry overcapacity. Ocean volumes increased by 9.3 percent, while Logistics & Services revenue rose 8.7 percent and Terminals volumes grew 4.3 percent. Maersk continued to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while investing heavily in fleet renewal, logistics infrastructure and terminal expansion projects across multiple global markets. The company ordered eight new dual-fuel vessels and expanded logistics operations in Singapore alongside major terminal investments in Brazil, Vietnam, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Germany. Maersk maintained its full-year 2026 financial guidance and expects the global container market to grow between 2 percent and 4 percent during the year.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 7-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Maersk reported solid first-quarter 2026 financial results, supported by strong cargo demand, rising shipment volumes across all business segments and continued operational efficiency measures, despite ongoing pressure from industry overcapacity and geopolitical uncertainty. The Danish shipping and logistics group posted EBIT of USD 340 million for the quarter as it continued to expand volumes across Ocean, Logistics & Services and Terminals operations while maintaining its full-year guidance for 2026.

The company said demand for global container trade remained resilient during the opening months of the year, with export activity from China accelerating compared with the previous quarter. Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to create volatility in global supply chains, Maersk stated that the impact on its first-quarter financial performance remained limited due to the company’s diversified operations and flexible shipping network.

Ocean operations delivered one of the strongest performances in terms of cargo growth, with loaded volumes increasing by 9.3 percent and asset utilisation reaching 96 percent. The company said its flexible Ocean network helped reduce unit costs by 7 percent despite ongoing disruptions linked to instability in the Middle East. However, persistent industry oversupply and weaker freight rates continued to weigh on profitability in the segment. Ocean EBIT came in at negative USD 192 million, compared with USD 743 million in the same period last year.

Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clerc said the company experienced robust demand across most global markets during the quarter and highlighted cost management and operational discipline as key factors supporting resilient financial performance. He also pointed to continued profitability momentum within Terminals and several Logistics & Services activities despite the uncertain global environment.

Logistics & Services generated revenue growth of 8.7 percent and recorded year-on-year EBIT margin improvement for the eighth consecutive quarter. The division benefited from stronger performance in air freight and middle-mile services alongside continued cost reductions and operational efficiencies across the portfolio. EBIT for the segment rose to USD 173 million.

The Terminals business also recorded another strong quarter, with container volumes increasing by 4.3 percent and revenue climbing by 6.7 percent. Revenue per move improved by 3.4 percent due to stronger rates, favourable foreign exchange movements and terminal mix improvements. EBIT for the segment increased to USD 436 million, reinforcing the growing importance of terminal operations within Maersk’s integrated logistics strategy.

During the quarter, Maersk also continued investing heavily in long-term infrastructure and fleet renewal projects. The company ordered eight new dual-fuel vessels with capacities of 18,600 TEU for delivery between 2029 and 2030 as part of its strategy to modernise the fleet and support reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The vessels will be capable of operating on both conventional fuel and liquefied gas, allowing greater operational flexibility across the company’s shipping network.

Logistics & Services operations expanded further through warehouse modernisation and automation projects, including the opening of World Gateway II in Singapore, a 1.1 million-square-foot logistics facility designed to strengthen Maersk’s Asia-Pacific operations. Meanwhile, APM Terminals advanced several expansion projects globally, including major investments in Brazil, Vietnam, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Among the largest infrastructure projects announced during the quarter were a EUR 1 billion joint investment by APM Terminals and Eurogate to expand the North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven in Germany from 3 million to 4 million TEU capacity, and continued development at terminals in Mexico and Brazil supported by hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments.

Despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment and continued pressure on freight rates, Maersk maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, forecasting global container market growth of between 2 percent and 4 percent. The company expects its own growth to remain in line with broader market expansion while continuing to manage risks related to new vessel deliveries, fuel prices and the timing of potential reopening scenarios involving the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

About Maersk

A.P. Moller – Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and reduced GHG emissions fuels*.

*Maersk defines “reduced GHG emissions fuels” as fuels with at least 65% reductions in GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil of 94 g CO2e/MJ.

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SOURCE: Maersk