Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading container shipping companies, has maintained its earnings forecast for 2025 but cautions that geopolitical instability and volatile freight rates may still impact final results. Despite a solid performance in Q1, the company remains cautious, citing ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea and global trade conflicts as potential risks.
Solid Start to 2025 With Higher Transport Volumes and Freight Rates
In the first quarter of 2025, Hapag-Lloyd posted unaudited preliminary earnings showing strong year-on-year growth. Key highlights include:
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EBITDA increased by 17% to $1.1 billion
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EBIT rose by 24% to $500 million
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Transport volume reached 3.3 million TEUs, a 9% increase
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Average freight rate rose to $1,480 per TEU, also up 9%
This strong demand-driven growth has helped boost the company’s early-year performance, offering a positive signal amidst an otherwise cautious economic environment.
Forecast Remains, But Risks Loom Large
Despite the strong first quarter, Hapag-Lloyd has reaffirmed its full-year 2025 forecast:
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EBITDA between $2.5 billion and $4 billion
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EBIT between $0 and $1.5 billion
However, the company has highlighted that volatile freight rates and geopolitical factors—especially the Red Sea crisis and global trade tensions—could significantly influence performance. CEO Rolf Habben Jansen noted that while the year started well, the rest of 2025 may not follow the same trend due to these uncertainties.
Strategic Focus: Quality, Decarbonisation, and Digitalisation
To mitigate risks and build long-term resilience, Hapag-Lloyd is staying focused on its Strategy 2030, which includes:
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Improving service quality through its Gemini Cooperation
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Expanding its Hanseatic Global Terminals
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Investing in fleet efficiency and decarbonisation
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Driving digital transformation and cost control
These initiatives aim to strengthen the company’s operational backbone, increase customer satisfaction, and ensure adaptability in a rapidly changing market landscape.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
