ports

Hapag-Lloyd Posts First-Quarter Loss as Market Share Slips

German container carrier Hapag-Lloyd reported flat year-on-year volume growth in the first quarter of 2026, losing market share as global container trade expanded 4 percent. Average freight rates fell 9.6 percent to $1,330 per teu from $1,471 a year earlier. The combination of weak volumes and declining rates triggered an 8 percent revenue decline. EBITDA halved to $447 million while the company posted a $174 million operating loss compared with a $472 million profit in the prior-year quarter. Management attributed the results to adverse European weather, softer North Atlantic demand, and Middle East service disruptions. Chief Executive Rolf Habben Jansen noted market-share losses should be evaluated over longer periods, citing stronger performance in the prior-year quarter when competitors grew less.