China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. reported revenue of RMB 19.65 billion in the first half of 2026, up 56.15% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders surged 227.57% to RMB 6.96 billion.

During the reporting period, the company’s fleet completed cargo volume of 123.60 million tonnes, up 5.4%, and transport turnover of 762.62 billion tonne-nautical miles, up 4.22%.

In the container shipping segment, revenue reached RMB 2.98 billion, down 1.47%, while net profit declined 7.57% to RMB 580 million. The company carried 590,000 TEUs of laden containers, up 8%.

As of June 30, CMES operated 39 vessels on international container routes, with total capacity of 62,982 TEUs, ranking 30th globally. Its subsidiary Sinotrans Container Lines signed contracts for 12 new container ships across three vessel types, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, adding about 52,000 TEUs of owned capacity.

In the first half of 2026, CMES optimized several routes, including Fujian–Taiwan, Qingdao–Haiphong and coastal Korea services. Although the number of weekly services fell from 63 at the beginning of the year to 57, laden container volume still increased 8%, China export volume rose 11%, and slot utilization reached 90%.

Looking ahead, CMES said geopolitical tensions may support short-term freight rates, but medium- and long-term supply-demand conditions are expected to ease. Emerging trade growth in Southeast Asia and the Middle East will bring opportunities, while new vessel deliveries and a possible Red Sea return may create long-term supply pressure.