Maersk Reports Record Revenue in Q2 2026
According to imarinenews.com, A.P. Moller – Maersk released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, showing a 20% year-on-year increase in revenue to $15.8 billion, up from $13.1 billion in the same period last year. The growth was primarily driven by its Ocean and Logistics segments, with the Ocean business alone contributing an additional $2 billion in revenue.
Strong Performance in Ocean Segment
The Ocean business saw a 23% year-on-year revenue growth, supported by rising global demand for transport and logistics. According to the report, exports from Asia, especially China, surged, leading to a 4.1% increase in cargo volume. Average freight rates also rose by 22% year-on-year, driven by tight maritime capacity and port congestion in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa.
Unit costs, on a fixed energy cost basis, fell by 0.8% as high cargo volumes offset rising operating expenses. EBIT for the Ocean segment reached $935 million, a significant improvement from $229 million in the second quarter of 2025 and a reversal from a $192 million loss in the first quarter of 2026.
Logistics Segment Shows Continued Improvement
The Logistics segment also posted strong results, with a 5.1% EBITDA margin for the quarter, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous quarter. Revenue increased by 15% year-on-year and 11% quarter-on-quarter, driven primarily by growth in the Landside business, including its Landbridge solution connecting ports in the Gulf region.
The Forwarding business also saw growth, supported by increased volumes in air freight and project logistics. The Solutions business benefited from a high-quality mix of new and existing contracts, contributing to the overall improvement in the logistics segment. EBITDA for the logistics business reached $217 million, up from $175 million in the second quarter of 2025 and $173 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Ports Business Advances with Strategic Projects
The ports business also recorded progress, with revenue rising 11% year-on-year. According to the source, revenue per natural container increased by 7.1% due to higher rates and increased storage revenue, while throughput grew by 2.2%. EBIT for the ports business reached $458 million, compared to $461 million in the second quarter of 2025 and $436 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Maersk has also made strategic investments, including the opening of a new container terminal at the Port of Suape in Brazil, a $350 million project and the first fully electrified container terminal in South America. In Vietnam, Maersk Terminals and the Hateco Group signed an agreement with the Da Nang City Government to build and operate the Lien Chieu Container Terminal, with a total investment exceeding $1.7 billion.
Full-Year Guidance Raised Based on Q2 Performance
Based on its second-quarter results and market outlook, Maersk has raised its full-year 2026 financial guidance. The company now expects underlying EBITDA to reach between $10.5 billion and $12.5 billion, up from its previous range of $8.0 billion to $10.0 billion. Underlying EBIT is projected to reach between $4.5 billion and $6.5 billion, compared to its previous forecast of $2.0 billion to $4.0 billion.
Free cash flow is also expected to exceed $0, compared to a previous projection of no less than negative $1.5 billion. The updated guidance is based on an expected 4% volume growth in the global container market for 2026.
Factors Affecting Performance
Maersk acknowledged that its 2026 financial performance will be affected by macroeconomic conditions, fuel prices, and freight rates. According to the report, these factors will continue to influence its operations and profitability, though the company remains optimistic about its outlook given its strategic investments and resilient market demand.
Source: imarinenews.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
