HAPAG-LLOYD is expecting a lower result in 2025 despite the first quarter producing significantly better returns year-on-year.
The German carrier racked up a 17% increase in Group EBITDA for Q1 25, based on transport volumes and freight rates that were substantially higher than Q1 2024 according to preliminary and unaudited figures.
EBITDA reached USD 1.1 billion (EUR 1.0 billion), in the first quarter of 2025. In the same period, the Group EBIT improved by 24%, to USD 0.5 billion (EUR 0.5 billion). The main drivers of this positive development were a transport volume of 3.3 million TEU and an average freight rate of 1,480 USD/TEU, both of which were 9% higher than in the same quarter of 2024 due to strong demand, the group said.
“We got 2025 off to a good start in the first quarter, but the market environment is currently characterized by many uncertainties,” Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, said. “We therefore continue to expect lower results for 2025 as a whole.
“We will rigorously implement our Strategy 2030, set a new standard of quality in the market for our customers with our Gemini Cooperation, and further expand Hanseatic Global Terminals. At the same time, we will make our fleet even more efficient and continue to decarbonize it. In addition, we will keep a close eye on our costs and work intensively on becoming even more digital and efficient.”
For the 2025 financial year, the Executive Board continues to expect the Group EBITDA to be in the range of USD 2.5 to 4.0 billion (EUR 2.4 to 3.9 billion) and the Group EBIT to be in the range of USD 0.0 to 1.5 billion (EUR 0.0 to 1.5 billion).
“This forecast remains subject to considerable uncertainty due to the volatile development of freight rates and major geopolitical challenges. Both the ongoing tense situation in the Red Sea and the global trade conflict could have a significant impact on supply and demand in container shipping and thus also on Hapag-Lloyd's earnings performance,” Mr Habben Jansen said.
At yesterday’s AGM Hapag-Lloyd AG shareholders approved with the required majority all items on the agenda put to the vote, including the appropriation of the net profit and thereby the payment of a dividend of EUR 8.20 per share.
“Despite the challenging market environment, we can look back on a very successful 2024,” Mr Habben Jansen said.
“Thanks to the strong demand for container transports and higher spot freight rates, we achieved the third-best operating result in our company’s history. For this reason, our shareholders can once again look forward to receiving a dividend.
“In addition, we have made good progress with our Strategy 2030: We have further expanded our terminal business under the Hanseatic Global Terminals brand, developed our new Gemini network, and launched the largest newbuild program in the history of our company,” Mr Rolf Habben Jansen said.