South Korean container carrier HMM maintained solid profitability in the first half of 2026 despite higher fuel costs and disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East.
HMM reported revenue of KRW 6.121 trillion for H1 2026, with operating profit of KRW 623 billion and net profit of KRW 765 billion. The company recorded an operating margin of 10.2%.
In Q2 2026, revenue reached KRW 3.402 trillion, while operating profit stood at KRW 354 billion and net profit at KRW 411 billion.
Container freight rates strengthened during the first half, with the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) averaging 1,957 points, up 15% from 1,701 points in H1 2025. HMM said market conditions improved from late May as the peak season began earlier than usual, supporting a recovery in freight rates.
The carrier maintained profitability through fuel-cost control, fleet-efficiency measures and its Hub & Spoke strategy, while also targeting new cargo demand in Southeast Asia.
HMM expects market uncertainty to remain high in Q3 due to US tariffs, port congestion, geopolitical conflicts and wider supply-chain disruptions, which could affect freight rates, costs and cargo flows.
The company has invested KRW 10 trillion over the past 15 months and plans to continue implementing its expanded KRW 29 trillion mid- to long-term investment strategy through 2030, aimed at strengthening fleet competitiveness and supporting long-term growth.