In the third quarter of 2018, A.P. Møller – Maersk reported growth in both ocean and non-ocean with a total revenue increase of 31% to USD 10.1 billion. Although 12% of that was due to the acquisition of Hamburg Sud.
Compared to Q3 2017, revenue in Logistics & Services increased 7.5 % with supply chain management growing 16%. New products are being developed to improve the customer experience, with results already showing as A.P. Moller – Maersk was first in the world to launch Instant Booking Confirmation to customers in the container industry.
“Well into our transformation, we are progressing with the integration of our business to better serve customers and unlock the full growth potential within Logistics & Services. As a result, I am pleased to see revenue growth in Q3 across the business, including supply chain services. Our profitability and cash flow is improving, positively impacted by the emergency bunker surcharge announced due to the significant increase in bunker price, synergies from Hamburg Süd and strong collaboration between Ocean and our terminal activities,” says Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
Furthermore, gateway terminals continued to grow volumes from external customers as well as from Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd reflecting synergy impact from the closer collaboration. Total synergies with Hamburg Süd of minimum USD 500m excluding integration cost are expected by 2019 as the integration is progressing faster than planned.
Cash conversion improved from 76% to 95%. The free cash flow of USD 2.1bn compared to negative USD 478m in the same period last year led to a lower net debt.
Volumes in Ocean grew 27%, 5% excluding Hamburg Süd which is above the estimated market growth of 2.7%, but lower than anticipated. Søren Skou elaborates:
“Our business performance in Ocean is still challenged by increased bunker prices not being fully compensated through higher freight rates. However, we continue to see improved results in the third quarter after a very weak start to 2018.”