Maersk Sees Global Shipping Markets Staying Tight Into 2022

(Bloomberg) --

A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S expects shipping markets to remain tight at least into the first quarter with global container demand set to grow faster than previously expected. 

The world’s largest shipping line said global ocean-based freight shipping will grow between 7% and 9% this year, a percentage point higher than a previous prediction, according to a statement on Tuesday. 

“Our clients are trying to meet strong consumer demand” as well as increase their own inventories, Chief Executive Officer Soren Skou said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. “That’s what’s driving the very strong demand for transportation right now.”

Supply chains around the world have been thrown into chaos as shippers struggle to cope with a surge in demand for consumer goods, coupled with port disruptions caused by Covid outbreaks. Container lines like Maersk have been the big winners as freight rates jumped to record levels with companies desperate to secure shipments.

A lack of truckers and other personnel issues are adding to strains on global trade, with some 300 ships waiting to unload, according to Skou.

“The issue is not really a lack of ship capacity,” he said. “The issue is that the ship capacity is being used up by waiting outside ports, and we need to solve the labor problem in the ports in order for supply chains to be better.”

Tight transport networks are having an impact. Goods consumption in Europe stalled in recent months, and auto production took a hit from a shortage of parts, Maersk said in its quarterly report.  

The stock declined as much as 2.5% on Tuesday, paring its gains for the year to 40%.

The company projected growth to slow next year, forecasting global container demand to increase by 2%-4% in 2022. The company indicated that trade constraints and rising prices are showing signs of impacting consumer behavior, noting that consumer spending in U.S. and Europe is tilting toward services.

Read more: Maersk Sees Demand Tilting to Services as World Keeps Spending

Maersk also announced the acquisition of German air-based freight carrier Senator International for an enterprise value of $644 million. Skou said he expects more deals in the shipping industry, but the company wouldn’t play a major role.

“In the sector, there is probably room for one more round of consolidation,” he said. “In the case of Maersk, it’s not high on our priority.”

Earnings Snapshot

Maersk, which had published some preliminary third-quarter earnings and raised its 2021 guidance on Sept 16., provided the following details on Tuesday:

• Revenue was $16.6 billion in the third quarter, compared with $16.08 billion seen by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.
• Earnings before interest and taxes was $5.86 billion compared with an estimated $4.97 billion.
• Maersk kept its 2021 financial guidance of an underlying Ebit of $18 billion to $19 billion.
• Maersk will increase it current share buy-back program by an additional $5 billion over the years 2024 and 2025.

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