Why Does Maersk Think Demand Will Stay Strong?

Jul 09, 2026

∙ Paid

Jul 2

Vincent Clerc expects global merchandise demand to hold up through the rest of 2026.

Demand stayed strong in the first half, despite war and disruption in energy markets.

Spot rates also moved higher.

Maersk linked its stronger outlook to container demand, especially from the Far East.

It raised underlying EBITDA guidance from $4.5bn–$7bn to $8bn–$10bn.

But Maersk’s fleet grew 2.5% in the H1, below the 2.7% top-10 average.

So if Clerc is right about demand, is Maersk growing fast enough?

Maritime Analytica