Maersk raises 2026 profit guidance again as rates stay high

Danish shipping giant Maersk has once again increased its 2026 profit forecast, citing robust global trade and a range of factors that have kept container freight rates high. CEO Vincent Clerc attributed this resilience to the enduring strength of global trade, despite geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions.

Clerc highlighted that demand is fuelled not just by consumer spending, but also by substantial investments in electrification, energy, and the swift expansion of AI infrastructure. These investments are generating significant flows of industrial cargo worldwide.

The shipping line, the world's second-largest container operator, now forecasts underlying profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of between $14 billion and $14.5 billion for 2026. This is a marked rise from its earlier forecast of $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion. Similarly, its underlying operating profit (EBIT) is now expected to be between $8 billion and $8.5 billion, up from the previous range of $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion.

In the third quarter, Maersk's profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation surged by 75% to $4.7 billion, slightly below the predicted $5.04 billion in an LSEG poll.