Germany’s largest container shipping operator, Hapag-Lloyd, reported a sharp drop in profit for the second quarter of 2025. According to the company’s published half-year financial report, earnings before interest and taxes fell from €450 million to €156 million compared to the same period last year. The decline was attributed to higher costs caused by port disruptions, route diversions, and the start-up expenses of the new shipping alliance “Gemini,” reports G.business citing focus.de.
Freight volume grows but rates fall
Despite a rise in freight volumes, the group’s revenue increased by only 2% to €4.6 billion, due to a drop in freight rates. Net profit for April–June amounted to €263 million, compared with €434 million a year earlier. The company transported about 3.4 million standard containers in the quarter — a 12.4% increase year-on-year. Growth was recorded across all major shipping regions, including Asia and Europe, driven by strong demand and expanded capacity.
Adjusted forecast for 2025
Hapag-Lloyd has revised its full-year 2025 forecast, now expecting earnings before interest and taxes in the range of €0.2 billion to €1.1 billion. Previously, the upper estimate was €1.5 billion. Nevertheless, management stressed that ending the year with a positive financial result remains possible.
Global network and workforce
Hapag-Lloyd is among the largest container shipping companies in the world, operating container terminals and maintaining an extensive international network. The shipping segment employs around 14,000 people across 140 countries, while approximately 3,000 work in terminal and infrastructure operations.
Historical background
Hapag-Lloyd was formed in 1970 through the merger of two of Germany’s oldest shipping companies — Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG), founded in 1847, and Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL), established in 1857. Both played key roles in developing international trade, offering passenger and cargo services. In the 1970s, the company became a European pioneer in containerization. Today, its fleet consists of over 250 vessels with a combined capacity exceeding 2 million TEU, serving key maritime routes between Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
Hapag-Lloyd’s Q2 2025 financial results show that even with strong demand and increased freight volumes, the shipping industry remains vulnerable to fluctuations in costs and tariffs. The impact of port disruptions, rerouting, and the start-up expenses of the “Gemini” alliance was clearly felt by Germany’s largest container carrier. Nevertheless, the company continues to expand its capacity and strengthen its global position. The adjusted forecast reflects a cautious outlook, yet still points to the possibility of ending the year in the black. Sustainable growth, fleet modernization, and business diversification remain key elements of Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy.
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