Posted on: February 10, 2026 / Last updated: February 10, 2026
Why Maersk Is Accelerating Diversification Amid a Weak Container Market
Maersk’s latest strategy clearly shows that the company no longer defines itself solely as the world’s largest container shipping line.
Instead, it is deliberately transforming into a fully integrated logistics provider designed to withstand market volatility beyond ocean freight alone.
CONTENTS
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From Ocean Carrier to End-to-End Logistics Integrator
For nearly a decade, Maersk has repeatedly emphasized that its future cannot depend only on container freight rates.
The company’s ambition is to control the entire supply chain, from ocean transport and terminals to inland logistics, customs clearance, and warehousing.
This strategic shift is now clearly reflected in its financial performance.
Logistics & Services Is Growing, but Profitability Remains a Challenge
In 2025, Maersk’s Logistics & Services segment generated approximately 15.1 billion dollars in revenue.
More importantly, EBIT increased by 36 percent to roughly 700 million dollars, demonstrating tangible operational improvements.
However, the EBIT margin remains at 4.8 percent, still below the company’s medium-term target of 6 percent.
Maersk openly acknowledges that Logistics & Services has not yet reached its desired profit structure.
Terminal Operations Have Become the Core Earnings Driver
In contrast, Maersk’s terminal business is delivering exceptional results.
Revenue rose by around 20 percent, while EBIT surged by more than 30 percent, reaching record highs.
Return on invested capital exceeded 16 percent, significantly above management targets.
This performance is closely linked to the Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd.
By positioning Maersk-operated terminals as central hubs within a hub-and-spoke network, cargo volumes increased and pricing power strengthened.
Why Diversification Has Become a Strategic Imperative
The primary driver behind Maersk’s aggressive diversification lies in its cautious outlook for the container shipping market.
A wave of new vessel deliveries ordered during the pandemic is expected to create persistent oversupply through 2026.
Maersk’s management has warned that adjusted EBIT could fall to a loss of up to 1.5 billion dollars in a worst-case scenario.
This unusually candid warning highlights how seriously Maersk views the coming market downturn.
If the Suez Canal fully reopens, supply pressure could intensify even further, amplifying earnings volatility.
2026 Will Be the Ultimate Stress Test
The coming year will test whether Maersk’s diversification strategy can effectively stabilize earnings during a downturn.
If Logistics & Services and terminal operations can offset container losses, Maersk’s model may become the blueprint for the entire industry.
If not, investor scrutiny is likely to increase.
Implications for Logistics Professionals
For shippers and logistics managers, the message is clear.
Carrier selection is no longer driven by freight rates alone.
- Integrated logistics capability is becoming a key differentiator
- Terminal access and inland connectivity increasingly define reliability
Competition is shifting from shipping lines to full-scale logistics platforms.
