Maersk Raises 2026 Guidance After a Strong Third Quarter
Maersk now expects 2026 underlying EBITDA of US$14-14.5 billion after a third quarter shaped by tight capacity, port congestion and higher rates.
A.P. Moller-Maersk has raised its full-year guidance for 2026 after a strong third quarter, WorldCargo News reported on 5 November 2026. The company now expects underlying EBITDA of US$14-14.5 billion, up from US$10.5-12.5 billion, and underlying EBIT of US$8-8.5 billion, up from US$4.5-6.5 billion.
Third-quarter numbers
Revenue rose 27% year on year to US$18.1 billion. EBITDA was US$4.7 billion and EBIT US$3.3 billion, an EBIT margin of 18.1%. Ocean, the container shipping segment, reported EBIT of US$2.6 billion, compared with US$567 million a year earlier.
What drove the result
Vessel utilisation reached 96%. Spot rates on the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) rose 46% quarter on quarter in the third quarter. Typhoons in Asia added to port congestion, and average port waiting time rose to 16.6 hours, the highest level since January 2023. Longer waits keep ships tied up and reduce the capacity available to the market.
Maersk's terminals business reported record revenue, with volumes up 2.6%. For 2026, Maersk assumes global container market growth of around 4%.
What this means for shippers
Maersk's results show how tight capacity and congestion have supported rates this year. For shippers, the practical points are:
- Book early on busy lanes, as high utilisation means less space at short notice.
- Ask for rate validity dates and any surcharges in writing.
- Plan for longer port waiting times when setting delivery dates.
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Source: WorldCargo News, "Maersk cashes in on congestion-driven capacity squeeze, lifts 2026 outlook", 5 November 2026. https://www.worldcargonews.com/news/2026/11/maersk-cashes-in-on-congestion-driven-capacity-squeeze-lifts-2026-outlook/