Story perspectives

Maersk Raises 2026 EBITDA Outlook to $10.5–12.5B

8/13/2026

Summary

Maersk Raises Outlook

A.P. Moller-Maersk lifted its 2026 EBITDA outlook to US$10.5-12.5 billion.
The company also raised its underlying EBIT guidance to US$4.5-6.5 billion.
Q2 EBITDA reached US$3.0 billion, beating the US$2.12 billion median forecast.
Q2 EBIT rose to US$1.6 billion, almost double the US$845 million a year earlier.
Revenue grew 20 % to US$15.8 billion, driven by ocean revenue up 23 % to US$10.5 billion and spot rates jumping 22 %.

Summary

Maersk Alters Surcharges

Maersk will cease the Peak Season Surcharge on all Far East Asia-to-Europe shipments effective 1 September 2026.
From 26 August, a new Peak Season Surcharge of US$1,000 for 20-ft containers, US$1,200 for 40-ft/45-ft containers applies to cargo bound for Visakhapatnam, Kattupalli, Nepal.
Starting 15 September, reefer containers will face US$8,000 Peak Season Surcharge from Pakistan to the U.S., US$6,700 from India, US$7,000 from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 the global financial crisis, amplified by oil prices jumping from $50 to $140, cut container freight rates about 30% and shrank shipping volumes 13% (UNCTAD) while Suez Canal transits fell 15%. Maersk responded by trimming capacity and postponing ships, a pattern echoed in its 2026 plan that adds $10.5-12.5 billion EBITDA and new surcharges as spot rates jump 22% in Shanghai and Rotterdam.

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Maersk Raises Outlook

A.P. Moller-Maersk lifted its 2026 EBITDA outlook to US$10.5-12.5 billion.
The company also raised its underlying EBIT guidance to US$4.5-6.5 billion.
Q2 EBITDA reached US$3.0 billion, beating the US$2.12 billion median forecast.
Q2 EBIT rose to US$1.6 billion, almost double the US$845 million a year earlier.
Revenue grew 20 % to US$15.8 billion, driven by ocean revenue up 23 % to US$10.5 billion and spot rates jumping 22 %.

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