Container Carriers Reported 5.12 Billion Dollars Profit in Q3 2025
Container Carriers Reported 5.12 Billion Dollars Profit in Q3 2025
Sea-Intelligence disclosed in its financial analysis for the third quarter of 2025 that the total operating profit of the world's largest container carriers declined from 17.06 billion dollars in the same period last year to 5.12 billion dollars. This decline reflects the continuation of expected corrections following the extraordinary financial performance witnessed in 2024. The organization nevertheless characterizes the sector's profitability remaining above 2019 levels as a positive indicator in terms of market stabilisation.
The report reveals that despite the decline in profitability, carriers sustained strong performance on the operating activity front. Among the seven major global liner carriers examined, six companies increased their global transported volumes in the third quarter. This trend demonstrates that the market has gained operational flexibility despite a demand-driven slowdown.
In contrast to the high freight rate period of 2024, carriers in 2025 continue their operations on longer routes diverted away from the Red Sea region, thanks to additional vessel deployments and redesigned service network structures, yet this change has not resulted in sharp increases in freight rates. Sea-Intelligence notes that this situation demonstrates a more balanced level has been reached compared to the previous year in terms of fleet planning and capacity management.
Significant differentiation is observed among carriers on the EBIT per TEU front, another key indicator of financial performance. According to the analysis:
COSCO achieved the highest EBIT value in the third quarter at $350 per TEU.
ZIM ranked second at $280 per TEU.
These two companies were the only carriers to surpass the $200 per TEU threshold in the quarter.
Profitability at other major lines remains at lower levels compared to 2024's peaks:
ONE: $85 per TEU
Maersk: $83 per TEU
Hapag-Lloyd: $65 per TEU
When considering that the lowest EBIT/TEU level a year ago was $335, these figures demonstrate that the sector has normalized significantly from 2024's peaks. Sea-Intelligence emphasizes that the 2025 results represent a correction following the "extremely volatile" 2024.
Rising shipping volumes in the container logistics market, redesigned routes, and more balanced freight rate movements are supporting carriers' operational resilience. Conversely, the narrowing observed in unit profitability levels indicates that competition and cost pressures in the sector have become more pronounced. Most carriers are striving to maintain competitive positioning throughout 2025 on issues of fuel costs, geopolitical risks surrounding the Red Sea, and capacity management.
Sea-Intelligence ApS, operating as an independent research firm focused on the global supply chain and container shipping sector, regularly publishes reports on liner schedule reliability, capacity management, and financial indicators. The organization's financial findings are considered a reference point for tracking long-term trends in the sector.
Key Points:
Total operating profit declined from 17.06 billion dollars in Q3 2024 to 5.12 billion dollars in Q3 2025.
Although profitability has decreased, the sector continues to operate above 2019 levels.
Six of the seven major carriers increased their volumes.
Longer routes diverting from the Red Sea did not create sharp increases in freight rates.
Highest EBIT/TEU: COSCO ($350) and ZIM ($280).
ONE, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd's EBIT/TEU values remained below $100.
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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/385120/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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