Maersk expects global container volumes to grow by 4% in 2025 | Container news

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk books solid third-quarter 2025 financial results, despite a year-on-year decline in profitability driven by continued rate pressure in ocean.

The company’s revenue stood at $14.2bn (compared to $15.8bn in the third quarter of 2024), down by 9.9% year-on-year, while EBITDA declined to $2.7bn ($4.8bn), with an EBITDA margin of 18.9% (30.4%).

The decline in revenue was mainly attributable to Ocean, Maersk said, where revenue fell by 18% due to a 31% drop in loaded freight rates.

Meanwhile, EBIT decreased to $1.3bn ($3.3bn), with a margin of 9.0% (21.0%).

The Copenhagen-based company, viewed as a barometer of world trade, now anticipates global container volumes to grow by 4% this year, up from its prior forecast range of 2% to 4%.

“In the third quarter of 2025, global container demand grew between 3% and 5% year-on-year, defiant of disruptions,” the company said in a statement. “Exports out of Far East Asia, and especially China, continue to be the main driver of solid volume growth.”

Imports remain robust in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and West Central Asia, while volumes into North America contracted, particularly from China to the United States, the company said.

The company also reiterated that disruptions in the Red Sea are expected to persist throughout the year.

Maersk has previously stated it would only resume transit through the region when a long-term and viable security solution is established.

Vincent Clerc, chief executive officer at A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, said: “We have delivered a strong third quarter across our business. Our performance reflects our ability to execute and continuously improve, as well as the trust customers place in us. The new East-West network has strengthened our Ocean performance, delivering industry-leading reliability, higher volumes and lower costs.”

He added: “Terminals achieved another record quarter with strong volume growth, and Logistics & Services continued to enhance profitability. As market conditions fluctuate, we are well positioned to help our customers adapt and maintain stability across their supply chains.”