The year 2024, despite geopolitical tensions and diversions, has been particularly profitable for the former world number one, in this case Maersk. The Danish giant, driven by an unexpected increase in freight rates, a recovery at the end of the year and the launch of the new Gemini alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, has reaffirmed its ability to adapt.

Faced with an unforeseen need for additional capacity due to geopolitical instability, Maersk has seen freight rates increase significantly. The group, after a slump, went from a loss of $450 million to a profit of more than $2 billion in the fourth quarter. This performance demonstrates the giant's return to profitability.

Maersk has decided to open a new chapter by collaborating with Hapag-Lloyd as part of the new alliance with Gemini. This comes five years after refocusing its strategy on container shipping and logistics. This partnership with Hapag-Lloyd is essentially based on a hub-and-spoke model aimed at reducing stops per loop to 40% and significantly reducing distances travelled by 15%. The stated objective is to offer a watchmaker service with a port-to-port reliability of up to 90%. This will allow it to offer its customers a competitive advantage in a context of constantly changing markets.

Cost discipline enabled Maersk to offset a significant increase in operating expenses, particularly related to the rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, which led to higher fuel and handling costs. Despite these additional costs, revenue increased from $4,4 billion to $55,5 billion and EBIT jumped 65% to $6,5 billion. This performance, accompanied by a dividend policy and a share buyback program, reflects a return to profitability across all segments, particularly in the terminals, which recorded their best historical performances.

Despite these successes, Maersk remains aware of the challenges ahead. The company must face market volatility, geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory complexity, particularly in the area of ​​green fuels and environmental standards. 

Situations such as longer routes to avoid risky areas such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could be an obstacle if security in the Red Sea is not restored. In addition, increased competition and risks related to technological developments and cyber threats require Maersk to continue investing in innovation to maintain its leading position in a constantly changing sector.