Hapag-Lloyd Reported Impressive First-Half 2025 Performances Despite Global Freight Industry Obstacles
Hapag-Lloyd, the German container shipping company, has reported a strong first half of 2025, with significant achievements and promising financial results.
In a strategic move, the company initiated a partnership with Maersk in its Gemini network in February, replacing its previous alliance and focusing on major East-West trades. This collaboration has proven fruitful, with the Gemini Cooperation achieving an impressive 90% schedule reliability on key East-West trades in its first months of operation.
The company's financial performance is also noteworthy. Hapag-Lloyd forecasts Group EBITDA of USD 2.8 to 3.8 billion and EBIT of USD 0.25 to 1.25 billion for 2025. These predictions come on the back of a robust first half, during which the company reported a Group EBITDA of USD 1.9 billion.
Revenues for Hapag-Lloyd's Liner Shipping segment rose to USD 10.4 billion in the first half of the year, while freight rates remained stable at around USD 1,400 per TEU. The company handled a total of 6.7 million TEU in the first six months of 2025, marking a 11% increase from 2024.
However, the company's success is not without potential challenges. Geopolitical tensions and volatile freight rates could impact Hapag-Lloyd's results for 2025.
In a proactive move to expand its European footprint, Hapag-Lloyd acquired a majority stake in CNMP LH in Le Havre, France, in March 2025. The company's Terminal & Infrastructure division also posted encouraging results, with EBITDA of USD 79 million and EBIT of USD 37 million.
As Hapag-Lloyd continues to navigate the complexities of the global shipping industry, its first-half success serves as a solid foundation for the remainder of the year. The company's strategic partnerships, financial forecasts, and operational improvements position Hapag-Lloyd well in the face of potential challenges.
