Container shipping companies expand fleets and raise earnings forecasts

The global container shipping industry is seeing significant shifts in fleet capacity and financial performance. Hapag-Lloyd AG has raised its earnings outlook for the 2026 financial year, citing strong market demand and high spot freight rates. The company now expects Group EBITDA to reach between USD 3.9 billion and USD 4.4 billion, with Group EBIT projected between USD 1.25 billion and USD 1.75 billion.

Simultaneously, major carriers are aggressively expanding their fleets. COSCO Shipping Holdings has placed orders for 18 new vessels worth over USD 2.9 billion, including 12 LNG dual-fuel ships. Maersk has also confirmed a significant order for 26 ships with a capacity of 18,600 TEU each, marking a strategic shift from its previous growth limits. The global order book for container ships currently stands at approximately 15 million TEU, representing over 43 percent of the existing fleet capacity.