Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges and market volatility, the global container shipping industry reported a combined Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of USD 5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to Sea-Intelligence. This performance reflects a resilient rebound, nearly matching Q1 2023 levels and surpassing those from 2012 to 2020 and 2024.
Key Highlights
- Revenue Growth: Major shipping lines experienced double-digit year-over-year revenue increases, driven by strong global volume growth, particularly on Transpacific and Asia-Europe routes.
- EBIT per TEU: Among carriers reporting both EBIT and global volumes, ZIM led with an EBIT per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) of USD 492, followed by HMM at USD 447. ONE was the only carrier with an EBIT/TEU below USD 100, recording USD 73.
- Comparative Performance: While the Q1 2025 EBIT is significantly lower than the pandemic-era peaks of 2021-2022, it indicates a stable recovery trajectory for the industry.
Maersk’s Performance
Maersk reported an EBIT of USD 1.3 billion for Q1 2025, a substantial increase from USD 177 million in Q1 2024. The company’s ocean segment contributed USD 743 million to this figure, benefiting from higher freight rates and stable volumes. Maersk maintains its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting an underlying EBIT between USD 0-3 billion, despite acknowledging increased macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Outlook
The shipping industry’s Q1 2025 performance suggests a cautious optimism. While challenges persist, the ability to achieve substantial EBIT figures indicates a level of resilience. Continued monitoring of geopolitical developments and market dynamics will be crucial for stakeholders in the coming quarters.
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Source: Sea-Intelligence
