Hapag-Lloyd Reports Q1 2026 Loss as Maersk Continues Avoiding the Strait of Hormuz Over Security Risks

Hapag-Lloyd has released its Q1 2026 financial results amid continued pressure on the container shipping market from declining freight rates, weather-related supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.

During the first quarter of 2026, the German shipping group recorded a net loss of USD 256 million (EUR 219 million). EBIT also fell to negative USD 157 million (EUR 134 million), significantly lower than the positive EUR 463 million reported in the same period last year.

Hapag-Lloyd’s EBITDA declined sharply as well, falling to EUR 422 million compared to EUR 1.048 billion in Q1 2025.

Hapag-Lloyd: Falling Freight Rates and Supply Chain Disruptions Continue to Weigh on Performance

In the company’s official statement, Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, stated: “The first quarter of 2026 was below our expectations as weather-related supply chain disruptions and downward pressure on freight rates significantly impacted our financial performance. However, the Gemini network has continued to demonstrate strong resilience even under difficult conditions, enabling us to maintain stable service quality for our customers.”

Despite weaker financial results, Hapag-Lloyd stated that it is maintaining its financial guidance for 2026 and will continue focusing on strict cost management amid ongoing market volatility.

Jansen added: “We will continue to focus on our Strategy 2030 objectives as well as the next milestones required to successfully complete the merger agreement with ZIM, while maintaining strict cost discipline as we navigate a highly volatile market environment.”

Based on its current outlook, Hapag-Lloyd’s management expects full-year 2026 EBITDA to range between USD 1.1 billion and USD 3.1 billion, while EBIT is projected to range from negative USD 1.5 billion to positive USD 500 million.

However, the German carrier also cautioned that the market outlook remains highly uncertain due to freight rate volatility and ongoing instability in the Middle East.

Maersk Continues Avoiding Transits Through the Strait of Hormuz

In a separate development, Maersk stated that it will continue avoiding transshipment operations through the Strait of Hormuz as the security situation in the region remains highly complex and unpredictable.

In its latest Middle East operational update released on Tuesday, Maersk described the current situation as “deeply dynamic” and stated that maritime safety conditions in the region have not yet been fully secured.

“Information remains limited, and we are working urgently to clarify the situation.”

The Danish carrier noted that volatility in the region remains extremely high and that all operational decisions are being assessed with caution.

Maersk further stated: “In coordination with our security partners, we currently assess that it is advisable to avoid transits through the Strait. We will continue to closely monitor developments and provide further updates as the situation becomes clearer.”

At the same time, Maersk welcomed efforts by the United States to restore freedom of navigation in the region, while emphasizing that any decision to resume transits through the Strait of Hormuz would depend on continuous risk assessments, actual security conditions, and guidance from relevant authorities and security partners.

According to Maersk, the company continues to closely monitor all developments in the Middle East.

“As additional details emerge regarding actions from the U.S. administration, we will incorporate these factors into our ongoing security assessments and risk review processes.”

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Shipping Telegraph)

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