Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Maersk lifts 2026 profit outlook as shipping rates remain elevated
The Danish shipping giant has raised its full-year profit guidance for a second time, buoyed by sustained strength in ocean freight rates. Third-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation climbed 75 per cent to US$4.7 billion.
LSN Malaysia ·
A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S has upgraded its 2026 profit forecast, signalling confidence that current market conditions will persist beyond the near term. The Copenhagen-headquartered container shipping and logistics operator reported a substantial jump in third-quarter earnings, reflecting robust demand and capacity constraints that continue to support freight rates across major trade routes.
The 75 per cent surge in EBITDA to US$4.7 billion demonstrates the company's ability to capitalise on favourable market dynamics. Strong performance in its ocean freight segment, combined with contributions from its integrated logistics operations, has underpinned the improved financial outlook.
Shipping rates have remained elevated as global trade flows recover and supply chains adjust to new patterns of demand. Container lines have benefited from a sustained imbalance between available capacity and shipping requirements, particularly on key Asia-Europe and transpacific routes that serve Malaysia's export-oriented economy.
The guidance upgrade underscores industry expectations that freight rate resilience may extend further into 2026 than previously anticipated. For Malaysian exporters and importers reliant on container shipping, the sustained high rates could continue to impact logistics costs in the year ahead.