While leading container shipping lines report average operating margins of 5.3% in the final quarter, intra-Asia container carriers have posted strong earnings, according to data by Alphaliner. Wan Hai Lines posted the highest operating margin of 18.9%, ahead of second-placed HMM at 10.7%. Alphaliner noted that Wan Hai benefitted from “its historical focus on the intra-Asia region, which enjoyed a major boost in 2025 due to U.S. tariff policies.”
According to the report by Seatrade Maritime, other regional operators, such as COSCO Shipping, SITC International, and Regional Container Lines, also posted higher operating profits boosted by intra-Asia activities. Citing Alphaliner data, Seatrade Maritime reported that COSCO experienced a -17% revenue decline on its Trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe trades in 2025, yet this was partially offset by a 12% increase in earnings linked to its mainland China activities.
SITC International was another top performer. The carrier recorded a 20% increase in profit in 2025, supported by expanded services across key Asian corridors. As reported by Logistics News, SITC launched new services in 2025, linking China with India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, the intra-Asia container operator also launched an independently operated service between Northern China and East India.
Following its profitable 2025 performance, SITC is also investing in fleet growth. As reported by splash247, SITC has exercised purchase options for six additional feeder vessels scheduled for delivery between March and August 2028, complementing four ships already on order through a December 2025 contract.
Not all regional carriers recorded comparable gains. Seatrade Maritime reported that TS Lines saw profits fall 10% year-on-year, prompting the company to consolidate its focus on Asia-Pacific routes, including services to the Red Sea and the Middle East. Mexico remains its only transcontinental service. RCL also posted an 11% year-over-year profit decline, a drop which Alphaliner attributed largely to the appreciation of the Thai baht.
Global deepsea carriers saw operating profits contract to USD 13.9 billion in 2025, a significant decline from USD 32.6 billion in 2024, The Loadstar reported. The trade publication quoted Vespucci Maritime CEO Lars Jensen, who expects intra‑Asia trade volumes to keep growing. Jensen also expects the intra-Asia market to become a focus for acquisition and consolidation opportunities.
Source: Alphaliner, Seatrade Maritime, The Logistics News, splash247, The Loadstar