Shipping giant Maersk has announced that it will lay off 1,000 corporate employees worldwide. The decision comes as the company struggles with falling freight rates and ongoing volatility in global trade. The cuts represent about 15 per cent of corporate roles but less than 1 per cent of Maersk’s total workforce of around one lakh employees.
The layoffs are part of a plan to simplify the organisation, reduce overhead costs, and save about $180 million annually. Maersk also intends to increase its use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. For the employees affected, this marks a significant disruption, particularly in corporate functions where the reductions are concentrated.
The logistics company reported revenue of $54 billion in 2025, down from $55.5 billion the previous year, despite shipping volumes rising nearly 5 per cent. Profits fell sharply because shipping prices dropped, with too many vessels competing for limited demand. Net profit was cut by more than half to $2.7 billion, compared to $6.1 billion in 2024. Ocean transport earnings fell by nearly a third to $6.3 billion, marking the lowest net profit in five years.
Maersk explained that global trade in 2025 was hit by persistent volatility, including the closure of Red Sea routes, new tariffs, and geopolitical tensions that disrupted supply chains. The company’s operating profit also dropped to $3.5 billion, down from $6.5 billion in 2024.
Looking ahead, Maersk expects shipping volumes to grow modestly in 2026, but at current freight rates, profits may decline further. The company warned that operating results could range from a $1.5 billion loss to a $1 billion profit.
For employees, the layoffs highlight the pressure facing the shipping industry. While most of Maersk’s global workforce remains intact, the 1,000 corporate staff losing their jobs face uncertainty as the company reshapes itself to cope with market challenges.
