Maersk Delivers Solid Second-Quarter Performance and Upgrades Full-Year Guidance Despite Global Market Volatility
Maersk A/S (Maersk), a global leader in integrated container logistics, has reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, demonstrating its resilience in a challenging global operating environment. Despite persistent geopolitical tensions, continued pressure on freight rates, and macroeconomic uncertainty, the company achieved revenue growth and maintained profitability across its key business segments. The performance reflects the strength of Maersk’s diversified business model and its ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics while maintaining cost discipline and driving operational efficiencies.
Quarterly Financial Highlights: Stable Performance Amid Disruption
Maersk posted a revenue increase of 2.8% year-over-year in Q2 2025, with total earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reaching USD 845 million. Although EBIT declined slightly on a sequential basis, it remained consistent with the results recorded in the same period last year, underscoring the company’s ability to weather external pressures.
The performance was supported by a combination of factors, including volume growth in the Ocean segment, a record-setting quarter in the Terminals business, and increased profitability in Logistics & Services. Across the organization, continued cost optimization and operational improvements also played a critical role in driving solid margins.
Encouraged by stronger-than-expected global trade activity, particularly outside of North America, Maersk revised its full-year 2025 financial guidance upward. The updated outlook reflects the company’s growing confidence in market demand resilience and its ability to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities through strategic execution and operational reliability.
Ocean Segment: Navigating Volatility with Resilience
Maersk’s Ocean division, the backbone of its logistics operations, delivered a commendable performance despite a highly volatile quarter marked by fluctuating demand and inconsistent freight rates. The company reported a 4.2% year-over-year increase in ocean freight volumes, largely driven by strong export activity out of Asia. This uptick in volume is a positive signal, particularly given the broader context of global economic headwinds and continued disruptions to international shipping routes.
Freight rates showed signs of recovery during the quarter, although they remained under pressure both compared to the preceding quarter and relative to the same period last year. Nonetheless, the positive momentum in rates during the latter part of Q2, combined with higher volumes, contributed to the segment’s ability to maintain profitability.
A key highlight in the Ocean segment was the successful full implementation of the Gemini Cooperation, a strategic partnership designed to enhance schedule reliability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The rollout was completed in June and has already exceeded expectations, with reliability scores surpassing 90% within the first few months of operation. This milestone not only demonstrates the operational excellence of the Ocean division but also enhances Maersk’s competitive positioning in a crowded and dynamic marketplace.
Logistics & Services: Sustained Margin Expansion through Operational Efficiency
Maersk’s Logistics & Services segment continued its journey toward sustainable profitability, with another quarter of solid performance. The segment reported an EBIT of USD 175 million for Q2 2025, representing a 39% increase compared to the same quarter last year. EBIT margin also improved significantly, rising to 4.8% from 3.5% year-over-year.
The margin expansion was primarily driven by a strong emphasis on cost control, productivity improvements, and optimized service delivery. Maersk has been executing on its strategy to build an end-to-end logistics network that is more integrated, agile, and customer-centric. These efforts are now paying off, as the company is increasingly able to offer high-value solutions across the supply chain—from warehousing and customs clearance to last-mile delivery and supply chain management.
Operational discipline remains a cornerstone of the segment’s performance. Focused initiatives aimed at reducing complexity, improving transit times, and leveraging digital tools have helped drive customer satisfaction while preserving margins. Looking ahead, the company aims to further strengthen its position in logistics services by deepening customer relationships and expanding its portfolio of integrated solutions.
Terminals: Record-Setting Volumes and Robust Financial Results
The Terminals segment once again demonstrated its strength with a standout quarter, achieving both record-high volumes and revenue. Volume throughput rose by an impressive 9.9% year-over-year, driven largely by the successful onboarding of additional Maersk Ocean cargo through the Gemini Cooperation. This volume increase underscores the value of Maersk’s integrated operating model, where synergies across business units translate into stronger commercial and operational performance.
Financially, the Terminals business posted EBIT of USD 461 million in Q2 2025, marking a 31% year-over-year increase. This growth was primarily fueled by enhanced joint venture performance and continued excellence in day-to-day terminal operations. The segment’s Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) climbed to 15.4%, up from 12.2% in the same quarter last year—a clear indicator of improving asset efficiency and profitability.
The company has been actively investing in digitalization, automation, and sustainability initiatives across its terminal network to enhance capacity, reduce environmental impact, and deliver superior service to carriers and shippers alike. These investments are proving effective in boosting performance and cementing Maersk’s leadership in the terminal operations space.
Updated 2025 Financial Guidance: Upward Revisions Reflect Confidence in Market Outlook
In light of its strong second-quarter performance and improving demand conditions, Maersk has raised its full-year 2025 financial guidance. The company cited more resilient market activity, especially in regions outside North America, as a key reason for the upward revision. While uncertainties related to inflation, geopolitical instability, and supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges, Maersk believes it is well-positioned to manage these risks and deliver value to shareholders.
The new guidance includes revised expectations for EBIT, EBITDA, and free cash flow, reflecting the company’s improved outlook on market fundamentals and its operational readiness to respond to both headwinds and opportunities.
Positioned for Sustainable Growth
Maersk’s performance in the second quarter of 2025 highlights the company’s strategic agility and its ability to execute effectively in a complex global environment. With a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning ocean freight, logistics services, and terminal operations, the company is able to mitigate risk and leverage growth across different market segments.
The successful rollout of initiatives such as the Gemini Cooperation, coupled with continued investments in digital infrastructure, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation, positions Maersk to capitalize on long-term trends shaping the global trade landscape.
By remaining focused on operational excellence, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic partnerships, Maersk aims to deliver consistent returns while supporting the evolving needs of its global customer base.
Despite operating in a persistently uncertain and dynamic global environment, Maersk has delivered a strong Q2 2025 performance, marked by revenue growth, margin expansion, and strategic execution across all business segments. The company’s decision to raise its full-year financial guidance signals growing confidence in its business fundamentals and long-term growth strategy. As the global logistics industry continues to evolve, Maersk remains firmly committed to leading the way with reliability, resilience, and innovation at the core of its operations.