# Maersk Raises 2026 Outlook as Port Congestion Lifts Freight Rates

The shipping group raised its earnings forecast after quarterly revenue climbed 27%, though volumes were largely flat and shares fell.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-11-05T10:58:47.637Z
Updated: 2026-11-05T10:58:47.637Z
Section: Business
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/maersk-raises-2026-outlook-port-congestion-november-5

A.P. Moller-Maersk raised its 2026 earnings outlook for a third time Thursday after port congestion and higher freight rates lifted third-quarter revenue and profit, even as shipping volumes remained largely flat.

The Danish container-shipping group now expects underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $14 billion to $14.5 billion, up from its previous range of $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion. It raised its forecast for underlying operating profit to $8 billion to $8.5 billion from $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion.

Maersk reported third-quarter revenue of $18.1 billion, a 27% increase from a year earlier. EBITDA rose 75% to $4.7 billion, while operating profit reached $3.3 billion. Free cash flow was $2.4 billion.

The company said severe typhoons in Asia contributed to port congestion and reduced available shipping capacity. Average spot freight rates rose 46% from the second quarter, while Maersk's vessel utilization remained at 96%.

Higher prices rather than a large increase in cargo volume drove much of the improvement. Reuters reported that Ocean volumes were broadly flat from a year earlier and that quarterly EBITDA fell short of the average analyst forecast. Maersk shares dropped in European trading as investors focused on the earnings miss and the possibility that elevated freight rates could ease.

The company said demand from consumer spending and investment in electrification, energy, semiconductors and artificial-intelligence infrastructure supported global trade. North American activity remained strong, according to Maersk, while weaker domestic demand in China and weather disruptions slowed some Asian exports.

Maersk's results matter beyond the shipping industry because the company is one of the world's largest container carriers and provides a view into global trade flows and supply-chain costs. Higher freight rates can raise transportation expenses for U.S. importers and exporters, though changes in fuel, insurance and route conditions also affect shipping prices.

The outlook assumes global container-market volume growth of about 4% in 2026. Maersk cautioned that conditions could change as more ships return to the Suez Canal and new vessels enter service.

Sources:
- A.P. Moller-Maersk, third-quarter 2026 results and guidance: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/11/05/maersk-higher-earnings-raises-full-year-guidance
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/container-shipping-group-maersk-raises-outlook-again-2026-11-05/
- The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/maersk-raises-guidance-again-on-higher-freight-rates-and-resilient-demand-12a571b0

## Sources
- A.P. Moller-Maersk, third-quarter 2026 results and guidance: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/11/05/maersk-higher-earnings-raises-full-year-guidance
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/container-shipping-group-maersk-raises-outlook-again-2026-11-05/
- The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/maersk-raises-guidance-again-on-higher-freight-rates-and-resilient-demand-12a571b0