Half‑year performance at a glance
For the six months ended 30 June 2026 the Hong Kong‑based group reported total container throughput of 80,157,047 TEU, a rise of 7.9% on the comparable period a year earlier. Equity‑controlled terminals handled 24,492,008 TEU, up 7.0% YoY (Hellenic Shipping News). The figures placed the operation among the few global port groups to post double‑digit growth despite broader market pressures.
Revenue and profit surge
Revenue climbed 12.3% to US$905.3 million, while gross profit increased by 9.3% to US$239.5 million (ship.energy). Net earnings attributable to equity holders jumped 28.5% to US$233.7 million – a record for the first half of the year (Ports Europe). In line with the stronger bottom line, the board declared an interim dividend of US$2.36 per share.
Throughput growth amid terminal challenges
The group’s overall traffic expansion masked uneven performance at key overseas assets. Both the Piraeus terminal in Greece and the Abu Dhabi gateway in the United Arab Emirates recorded a decline in cargo volumes, dragging down the non‑controlling‑stake segment (Ports Europe). Nevertheless, Chinese mainland terminals continued to drive growth, delivering 59,019,217 TEU – a 4.7% increase that now accounts for roughly 74% of total handling (Hellenic Shipping News).
Related activity in COSCO’s specialised carrier arm
While the ports division posted robust results, COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers also disclosed a strong first half. Operating revenue rose to CNY14.45 billion (about US$2.12 billion), up 34% year‑on‑year, and net profit jumped 66% to CNY1.37 billion (Baird Maritime). The fleet expanded to 206 vessels with a combined deadweight of 9.59 million tonnes, including eleven newly added ships that supported the surge in vehicle exports – up 63% to 394,600 units.
What this means for operators
Carriers can expect tighter slot allocation at COSCO‑controlled terminals as throughput rebounds, particularly in China where volume growth is strongest. The dip at Piraeus and Abu Dhabi may translate into temporary capacity relief or lower freight rates on those routes, offering an opportunity for cost‑sensitive shippers. Meanwhile, the expanding fleet of specialised carriers suggests a more reliable supply chain for automotive shipments, which could benefit liner services that rely on roll‑on/roll‑off connections to COSCO ports.
