On August 7th, A.P. Moller-Maersk (referred to as "Maersk" hereafter) released its financial report for the second quarter of 2025. During this quarter, Maersk achieved strong performance with a 2.8% year-on-year increase in revenue and an EBITDA of $845 million. Despite a sequential decline, Maersk's performance remained at a comparable level to the same period last year, influenced by geopolitical factors and sustained pressure on freight rates. The continuous outstanding performance of the terminal business, growth in shipping volumes, and improved profitability in the logistics business were the main drivers behind this achievement. Additionally, ongoing operational optimization and cost control across all business segments played a positive role. Due to stronger demand in markets outside North America, Maersk has raised its financial performance guidance for the full year 2025.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, stated: "The strong performance in the first half of this year is a result of ongoing operational improvement initiatives and the successful launch of the 'Twin Stars' collaboration. Our new east-west shipping network has set new standards in schedule reliability, driving growth in shipping volumes and consistent deliveries. Despite market fluctuations and unprecedented uncertainty in global trade, demand remains resilient, and we will continue to respond swiftly and flexibly. In this complex environment, we remain committed to helping our customers build stronger, more adaptive supply chains that can withstand disruptions and drive growth."

In a quarter marked by significant demand and freight rate fluctuations, Maersk's shipping business performed well, with a 4.2% year-on-year increase in volumes, primarily driven by Asian exports. While freight rates rebounded somewhat this quarter, they still lagged behind the same period last year and the previous quarter. The 'Twin Stars' shipping service network, fully operational since June, achieved over 90% schedule reliability within a few months.

The logistics business continued its focus on enhancing operational efficiency and building sustainable profitability, with a 39% increase in EBITDA to $175 million and an EBITDA margin of 4.8%, higher than the 3.5% from the same period last year. This growth was attributed to rigorous cost control and productivity enhancements.

The terminal business achieved another strong quarter, setting record high volumes and revenue with a growth rate of 9.9% in volumes. The successful implementation of the 'Twin Stars' collaboration brought higher Maersk shipping volumes to the terminal business. EBITDA increased by 31% to $461 million, primarily driven by excellent operations and joint venture performance, raising the return on invested capital to 15.4%, exceeding last year's 12.2%.