Same script, adjusted figures.
That’s been the theme of shipping lines’ financial performance over the past few years as freight rates have continued their upward trajectory, pushing results to record levels.
Hapag-Lloyd has announced its 2021 figures – which can be summarised by three key pointers: Ebitda and Ebit significantly higher than 2020, freight rates much higher owing to persistent excess demand, and no change in volumes.
Based on preliminary figures, its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) for the 2021 financial year increased to more than US$ 12.8 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes (Ebit) rose to roughly US$ 11.1 billion.
“The main drivers of these positive business developments have been significantly improved freight rates resulting from very strong demand for goods exported from Asia. At the same time, the major disruptions in global supply chains have led to a significant increase in transport expenses,” the carrier points out.
Revenues increased to roughly US$ 26.4 billion – which is largely attributed to a higher average freight rate of 2 003 US$/TEU (2020: 1 115 US$/TEU). Transport volumes were roughly on a par with the prior-year level, at 11.9 million TEUs (2020: 11.8 million TEUs), due to the strained supply chains.
The carrier will publish its 2021 Annual Report with the audited financial figures and an outlook for the current financial year on March 10.
