COSCO Shipping Ports Limited, one of the world's leading ports logistics service providers, reported strong financial and operational results for the first half of 2026. The group saw a 7.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total throughput to 80,157,047 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with revenue growing by 12.3% to US$905.3 million and gross profit increasing by 9.3% to US$239.5 million. The company's profits attributable to equity holders rose by a notable 28.5% to US$233.672 million, according to Container News. In the first half of the year, COSCO Shipping Ports added to its fleet and infrastructure through the relocation of jack-up drilling platforms and dynamic positioning float-over installations, as detailed in a report by Baird Maritime.
Fleet Expansion and Operations
The company expanded its controlled fleet to 206 vessels with a combined capacity of 9.59 million deadweight tonnes (DWT). This included the addition of 11 new vessels during H1 2026, driven by increased export demand as reported in Baird Maritime. Vehicle transportation volumes also saw significant growth, increasing by 63% year-on-year to 394,600 units. Among these were pure car carriers transporting 333,300 vehicles and multipurpose vessels with specialised frames carrying an additional 61,300 vehicles.
Operational Highlights
The semi-submersible sector was particularly active, with the 50,000-tonne Xiang Rui Kou completing a major project for COSL AE1 by relocating a jack-up drilling platform. Another semi-submersible vessel, Xiang Tai Kou, participated in an offshore converter station float-over installation, according to Baird Maritime. Additionally, pulp transportation volumes increased by 23% year-on-year during the period.
Port Throughput and Green Energy Initiatives
In a separate report from ship.energy, COSCO Shipping Ports announced that its total cargo throughput for H1 2026 reached 80.157 million TEUs, marking a 7.9% increase year-on-year. The revenue rose to $905.3 million, with a gross profit of $239.5 million, an increase of 9.3%. Although specific details on the company's energy transition plans were not provided, COSCO Shipping Ports expressed its commitment to building green and low-carbon ports by expanding clean energy usage.
Strategic Initiatives
The strong performance in H1 2026 was attributed to continued deepening of lean operation management and constant optimisation of resource allocation. Despite the challenging global shipping market, which experienced route network restructuring and reduced profitability, COSCO Shipping Ports maintained its resilience through strategic initiatives. The company’s financial review highlighted a first interim dividend of US$0.236 per share.
What this means for operators
The significant growth in throughput and profits reported by COSCO Shipping Ports indicates a robust market demand, particularly for container shipping services. Ship operators and logistics companies should anticipate increased vessel utilisation and cargo handling opportunities in the coming months. However, they must also prepare to adapt their operations to support the company's green energy initiatives, which will likely influence port selection and service routing decisions.
