Danish shipping giant Maersk has stated that the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war is significantly increasing operational expenses, with costs ultimately expected to impact customers.
CEO Vincent Clerc said the conflict is generating approximately $500 million in additional monthly costs, mainly due to rising fuel prices and higher vessel insurance premiums.
Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, said the current situation in the Middle East has a limited operational impact so far, but warned that prolonged conflict could sharply increase risks.
The Copenhagen-based company reported a first-quarter profit before interest, tax, and amortization of $1.75 billion, surpassing market expectations of $1.66 billion.
It kept its full-year 2026 outlook unchanged, maintaining a forecast of 2–4% growth in global container demand. However, it emphasized that rising energy prices and trade restrictions in the Gulf region pose significant risks.
According to Maersk, the Gulf region accounted for about 6% of global container traffic in 2025. The company’s long-term scenarios also include the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea to commercial shipping in 2026.
Vincent Clerc added that the Strait of Hormuz is currently considered a high-risk zone, suggesting that measures such as mine clearance operations may be required to ensure safe passage.
