Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) reported a 6.5% dip in second-quarter revenue, totaling US$2.1 billion compared to the same period in 2024. This decline comes despite a 4.4% increase in liftings, highlighting the challenges posed by tariff instability and shifting market dynamics.
The overall load factor dropped by 2.4% compared to Q2 2024, while revenue per TEU plummeted by 10.4%. However, the first half of 2025 still showed some resilience, with revenue up 4.4% year-on-year and total liftings increasing by 6.8%. That said, overall revenue per TEU for the first half was down by 2.2%.
Trade Route Highlights: Winners and Losers
- Trans-Atlantic: The standout performer of the quarter, with revenue surging 25.4% to US$193.95 million and liftings climbing 20.5% to 147,824 TEUs. First-half results were equally strong, with liftings up 14.2% and revenue rising 18%.
- Trans-Pacific: The hardest-hit trade route, with Q2 revenue plunging 18.3% to US$753 million and liftings falling 4.3% to 501,364 TEUs. However, the first half of 2025 offered a silver lining, with liftings up 8.7% year-on-year.
- Asia/Europe: Q2 liftings rose by 3.1%, but revenue dropped 14.7%. For the first half, liftings were down 0.6%, and revenue decreased by 6.4%.
- Intra-Asia/Australasia: A bright spot in the quarter, with liftings up 7.9% and revenue increasing by 9%. First-half figures showed liftings rising 7.7% and revenue growing by 16.2%.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
While OOCL’s Q2 results reflect the turbulence of the current market, the company’s performance across certain trade routes, particularly the Trans-Atlantic and Intra-Asia/Australasia, demonstrates pockets of growth and resilience. As the industry continues to grapple with tariff instability and fluctuating demand, OOCL’s ability to adapt will be key to navigating the road ahead.
©MichaelGrinter/HKMH & Margherita Bruno/PortTechnologyInternational