Maersk posts strong Q2 results, raises full year guidance

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) delivered a strong second quarter, driven by high demand, higher spot rates in Ocean, and growth across all business segments. Revenue increased 20% year-on-year to USD 15.8bn and EBIT lifted to USD 1.6bn. For the group, EBITDA was USD 3.0bn and EBIT was USD 1.6bn in the second quarter, up on both the prior year and first quarter

Ocean transportation grew volumes by 4.1%, driven by Asian exports, and generated significantly better earnings. The average loaded freight rate increased by 22%, and vessel utilisation remained high at 96%. EBIT was USD 935m, up from USD 229m in the same quarter last year and USD -192m in Q1 2026.

Logistics & Services also performed well, growing revenue by 15% and improving EBIT margin to 5.1%, while Terminals increased volumes by 2.2% and maintained strong earnings.

The improved results meant Maersk has raised its full-year guidance to an underlying EBITDA of USD 10.5-12.5bn, from USD 8-10bn previously, and an underlying EBIT of USD 4.5-6.5bn, from USD 2-4bn previously.

CEO Vincent Clerc said: “The second quarter was yet another proof point of the new era of heightened volatility we have entered. Strong, broad-based demand from the Far East since 2024 has resulted in significantly more unbalanced trade flows, with volume levels that are challenging landside infrastructure capacity. From ports to inland transportation, we are seeing increased congestion and disruption across multiple geographies.

“Our global team's ability to capture opportunities in these difficult markets has enabled us to deliver significant volume and earnings growth across our businesses, leading to the substantial upgrade to our full-year guidance. As markets evolve, we remain focused on helping customers respond quickly to change 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.”