Maritime News Copenhagen, Denmark : Global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has navigated 2024’s unpredictable tides with remarkable resilience, posting its third-best financial year in history. The company reported a 65% surge in EBIT, reaching USD 6.5 billion, driven by higher container demand, elevated freight rates, and strategic cost management.
Anchoring Success Amid Global Challenges
Despite geopolitical shifts and ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, Maersk capitalized on strong demand, ensuring steady global supply chains while maintaining record-high customer satisfaction.
“Our ability to navigate shifting circumstances and enhance productivity while managing costs contributed to our strong financial performance,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk. “With our three integrated businesses—Ocean, Logistics & Services, and Terminals—we are uniquely positioned to support customers in an era that demands supply chain resilience.”
Performance Across Key Segments
- Ocean: The backbone of Maersk’s operations saw higher freight rates due to the Red Sea crisis, with increased volumes and operational efficiency ensuring steady profitability.
- Logistics & Services: Demonstrating resilience, this segment recorded 7% revenue growth, particularly in Warehousing, Air, and First Mile solutions, contributing to an improved EBIT margin.
- Terminals: A standout performer in 2024, Terminals achieved record EBITDA and EBIT, fueled by higher volumes, tariff adjustments, and increased storage revenue.
Outlook for 2025: Charting a Steady Course
Maersk anticipates global container volume growth of 4% in 2025, with expectations tied to the reopening of the Red Sea—a critical passage for global trade. Depending on the timeline for reopening, financial projections may shift, with macroeconomic uncertainties influencing container demand and freight rates.
Rewarding Shareholders with a Strong Return
With a robust balance sheet, Maersk returned USD 1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share buy-backs. The company’s USD 2 billion share buy-back programme, set to be executed over 12 months, signals confidence in long-term growth and market stability.
A Future-Ready Maersk
As global trade dynamics evolve, Maersk’s strategic investments and integrated supply chain solutions position it as a powerhouse in the maritime industry. With profitability sailing high and resilience built into its DNA, Maersk is charting a steady course for 2025 and beyond.
