Hapag-Lloyd with very good result in first half year of 2022

World

August 11, 2022

Result significantly higher than prior-year period
Transport volume at prior-year level
Outlook upgraded based on current business performance
Uncertainties remain due to the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemiHapag-Lloyd has concluded the first half of 2022 with an EBITDA of USD 10.9 billion. The EBIT rose to USD 9.9 billion , and the Group profit climbed to USD 9.5 billion .“We have benefitted from significantly improved freight rates and look back on an extraordinarily strong business performance on the whole in the first half year. At the same time, a steep rise in all cost categories is putting increased pressure on our unit costs,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG.
Revenues increased in the first half year of 2022 to USD 18.6 billion (EUR 17 billion). This can mainly be attributed to a much higher average freight rate of 2,855 USD/ TEU (H1 2021: 1,612 USD/ TEU) and a stronger US dollar.

Global supply chains remain under significant pressure due to persistent capacity bottlenecks in ports and congested hinterland infrastructures, which together is resulting in longer turnaround times for ships and containers. Overall, transport volumes in the first half of 2022 were on a par with the prior-year level, at approximately 6 million TEU. The result was impacted by significantly higher expenses for container handling and charter ships as well as by a 67 per cent increase in the average bunker consumption price, to USD 703 per tonne (H1 2021: USD 421 per tonne).

Based on the current business performance, the second half year is also likely to exceed previous expectations. In view of these circumstances, the Executive Board of Hapag-Lloyd AG raised its earnings forecast for the current financial year on 28 July. For the 2022 financial year, an EBITDA in the range of USD 19.5 to 21.5 billion (EUR 18.2 to 20.1 billion) and an EBIT in the range of USD 17.5 to 19.5 billion (EUR 16.3 to 18.2 billion) are expected. However, this forecast remains subject to considerable uncertainty given the war in Ukraine, the ongoing disruptions in the supply chains, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are currently seeing the first signs in some trade lanes that spot rates are easing in the market. Nevertheless, we are expecting a strong second half of the year. The currently still strained situation in the global supply chains should improve after this year’s peak season. Our customers can continue to rely on us to do everything in our power to transport their goods to their destination as smoothly as possible. At the same time, we will continue to focus on our quality and sustainability goals as well as on further implementing our Strategy 2023,” Habben Jansen added.

The report for the first half year of 2022 is available online here.