Samudera Shipping Line handled 503,000 TEU in the third quarter of 2026, maintaining the same container volume as in the corresponding period last year, according to the company’s latest business update.
Average container shipping revenue increased to US$297 per TEU during the quarter, compared with US$252 per TEU in Q3 2025, reflecting higher average freight rates. However, elevated bunker and charter hire expenses continued to put pressure on operating costs.
Tanker Operations Affected by Middle East Disruptions
Samudera’s bulk and tanker fleet comprised seven vessels in Q3 2026, down from eight vessels a year earlier. The fleet consisted of three chemical tankers and four gas tankers.
Employment days declined significantly to 414 days during the quarter, compared with 671 days in Q3 2025. The company attributed the reduction to service disruptions in the Middle East, vessel downtime and scheduled drydockings, which affected revenue generation and operating margins.
The company also confirmed that it sold two chemical tankers in June 2026. One vessel was delivered in the second quarter, while the second was delivered during the third quarter.
Logistics Business Records Higher Cargo Volumes
Samudera’s logistics business recorded growth in both storage occupancy and cargo-handling volumes during the quarter.
Storage occupancy increased to 188,900 pallet positions from 173,100 positions in Q3 2025. Cargo handled rose more sharply to 977,100 pallet equivalents, compared with 627,500 pallet equivalents a year earlier.
The company attributed the increase in cargo volumes to stronger fourth-party logistics (4PL) activity in Indonesia.
Despite the growth in operational volumes, the logistics segment’s operating margin declined following the rationalisation of the company’s warehouse business in Malaysia.
The quarterly performance highlights contrasting trends across Samudera’s business segments, with higher container shipping revenue per TEU and stronger logistics volumes offset by elevated operating costs and weaker tanker fleet utilisation.