Hapag-Lloyd forecasts significantly lower earnings in 2026 due to the Middle East conflict disrupting shipping routes and increasing costs, according to the Wall Street Journal. The world's fifth-largest container line expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) to range between €900 million and €2.6 billion, a steep decline from the €3.19 billion reported in 2025. Earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) are projected to fall between a loss of €1.3 billion and a profit of €400 million.

The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has forced Hapag-Lloyd and other operators to suspend key maritime routes into and out of the region and reroute vessels on longer, costlier paths to avoid hostilities. This operational strain is expected to persist, impacting the broader container shipping industry's growth trajectory.