Hapag-Lloyd reports transport volume increase despite market volatility

Global shipping line Hapag-Lloyd released its financial results for Q2 2025, showing a significant increase in transport volumes during the first half of the year. Despite that, the company clarified that earnings were affected by volatile demand, port congestion, and geopolitical uncertainties.

The shipping giant reported a decrease in group earnings and group profit due to frequent changes in U.S. trade policies, congested seaports, and security risks in the Red Sea. Overall, the group's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was $1.9 billion.

Liner shipping revenue increased to $10.4 billion. This rise was largely driven by East-West trades and an 11 percent increase in transport volumes to 6.7 million TEU (up from 6.1 million) in the first half of 2024. Average freight rates held steady at $1,400 per TEU. 

“In a volatile market, we significantly increased our transport volume and ended the first half of the year on a solid note overall," said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG.

The executive added that for the second half of the year, the company will focus on growth, as well as operational and commercial performance, and cost structure optimization. Jansen also stated that Hapag-Lloyd will prioritize helping its customers navigate this volatile market environment: "We hope that more new trade agreements will make their supply chains more predictable."

The company has refined its 2025 earnings outlook, noting that the forecast remains subject to considerable uncertainty due to geopolitical risks and volatile freight rates. Group EBITDA is now projected to be between $2.8 billion and $3.8 billion, and Group EBIT is expected to range from $0.25 billion to 1.25 billion. 

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