Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd report strong Q2 results amid logistics warnings

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have reported strong second-quarter financial results, driven by resilient global demand and rising freight rates. Maersk reported a 20% increase in revenue to $15.8 billion, with an underlying EBITDA of $3 billion, significantly exceeding analyst expectations. The company’s ocean segment saw a 23% revenue jump, supported by a 22% increase in average freight rates.

Despite the strong financial performance, leadership from both shipping giants warned of emerging logistical challenges. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc and Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen highlighted growing bottlenecks caused by port congestion and limited landside capacity, including trucking, rail, and road infrastructure. These constraints, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and port struggles in Asian hubs like Shanghai, could lead to delivery delays and sustained high freight rates through 2026.