HMM maintains profitability-market conditions to remain weak in Q4 | Container news

South Korean shipping giant HMM reported a net profit of KRW 304bn (about $207.4m) for the third quarter of 2025 and an operating profit of KRW 297bn.

In the third quarter, net profit stood at KRW 304bn from last year’s KRW 1,739bn, with revenue down to KRW 2,706bn (about $1.84bn) from KRW 3,552bn last year.

For the cumulative period from Q1 to Q3, revenue reached KRW 8,184bn, net profit of KRW 1,515bn, and operating profit of KRW 1,144bn.

HMM said it maintained a stable operating margin of 11% despite lower freight rates, reflecting continued efforts in cost optimization and efficient operations.

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) averaged 1,481 points in the quarter, down 52% from 3,082 points in the same period last year.

Looking ahead, HMM expects market conditions to remain weak in the fourth quarter due to the traditional year-end slack season.

According to HMM, continued uncertainty is also anticipated due to evolving U.S. tariff policies.

To respond to these conditions, HMM is optimizing operations by adjusting port calls and vessel deployment across trade lanes.

HMM is also focusing on high-yield cargo segments such as reefer cargo, out-of-gauge shipments and other special cargo, while exploring new trade routes to improve profitability.