Maersk CEO: "Gemini" Exceeds Expectations

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc stated during the Q2 earnings call that the "Gemini" cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd has delivered "far better than expected" results in its first six months.

He described the hub-and-spoke operational model—previously untested in shipping—as a game-changer, overcoming initial skepticism from clients and competitors.

Key Highlights:
✔ 90% on-time performance consistently achieved since launch.
✔ "Potential is even bigger than we knew six months ago."
✔ Long-term outlook: "This will be transformative."

Logistics Business: 6% Margin Target Before Acquisitions

Clerc emphasized that Maersk’s logistics arm must first hit a 6% operating margin (targeted by end-2025) before pursuing new M&A.

Strategic Focus:

• U.S. dominates 35%+ of logistics revenue; Europe seen as key for "bolt-on" acquisitions.

• "Diversification builds resilience"—core to Maersk’s end-to-end logistics vision since 2016.

Uncertainty Dominates Market Outlook

Despite strong Q2 performance and raised 2024 guidance, Clerc warned of "historically high" volatility due to:
U.S. trade wars
Red Sea disruptions

Data Insight: Global container volumes grew 4.5% YoY in H1 2025 (CTS: 93.5M TEU), showing "market resilience."

Caution: Maersk postponed its November Capital Markets Day, citing "too much uncertainty to provide clarity."