Press Release

Hong Kong, 27th August 2026​

Orient Overseas (International) Limited Announces 2026 Interim Results​

• Group Revenue of US$5,173 million
• Group EBIT of US$728 million
• Group EBITDA of US$1,255 million
• Operating Cash Flow of US$819 million
• Profit Attributable to Equity Holders of US$728 million
• Dividend for the First Half of 2026 is approximately 50% of the Profit Attributable to Equity Holders at approximately US$363 million, with Interim Dividend of US$0.55 per ordinary share

Financial and Operational Highlights – First Half of 2026

• Container Transport and Logistics business reported EBIT of US$728 million, representing an EBIT margin of approximately 14.1%
• Liner liftings grew to 4.1 million TEU
• Ordered twelve 13,600 TEU class LNG dual fuel container vessels which are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030
   

Balance Sheet Highlights

• Group financial position remains one of the most robust in the industry
• Net cash of US$4.5 billion as at 30th June 2026
• Cash and bank balances of US$5.8 billion as at 30th June 2026
  
  

Details

 
Orient Overseas (International) Limited (“OOIL") today announced a profit attributable to equity holders of US$728.0 million for the six-month period ended 30th June 2026, compared to a profit of US$954.2 million for the same period in 2025. 

Earnings per ordinary share for the first half of 2026 was US$1.10, whereas earnings per ordinary share for the first half of 2025 was US$1.44.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the dividend for the first half of 2026 is approximately 50% of the profit attributable to equity holders at approximately US$363 million, with an interim dividend of US$0.55 per ordinary share.  The interim dividend will be payable in cash in US dollars or Hong Kong dollars (HK$4.29 converted at the exchange rate of US$1 to HK$7.8) or Renminbi (RMB3.731 converted at the exchange rate of US$1 to RMB6.7829, being the average of middle exchange rates between US dollars and Renminbi as announced by the People's Bank of China for the 5 business days before and excluding the date of Board meeting for, among other matters, considering the payment of the interim dividend).

The global container market did not normalise in the first half of 2026 as many had anticipated at the end of last year.  Instead, the year progressed amid the uncertainties.  With the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and repeated changes in the situation, the return to the Red Sea was once again delayed.  More importantly, in combination with the resulting sharp fluctuations in oil prices, heightened inflation expectations and higher EU carbon emission cost, not only placed cost pressures on liners, but also affected the global economic outlook.  On the other hand, the restructuring of global supply chains and the development of regional trade continues to bear fruit, while trade activity in emerging markets remained vibrant, providing underlying support to the market.  Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff and trade policies resurfaced.  The U.S. government launched a large-scale Section 301 investigation as the principal alternative to the International Emergency Economic Power Act (“IEEPA") tariffs that were ruled invalid by the Supreme Court, with completion targeted for late July.  The market is concerned that this could trigger another round of tariff increases and supply chain adjustments.  Against this backdrop, supported by the need to restock inventory in the U.S., demand rose rapidly, giving rise to an earlier-than-usual peak season.

As global trade patterns continue to evolve and adjust, OOCL has continued to strengthen its East-West network operations while actively expanding its presence in emerging markets.  We have deepened our development and optimisation in regional markets and strengthened the extension of our end-to-end business.  Through a flexible but prudent operating model and a globalised supply chain framework, we strive to help customers address challenges and become a trusted long-term partner.  To this end, we continue to leverage the strengths of the Ocean Alliance while deepening collaboration with COSCO SHIPPING Lines.  We will continue to enhance service efficiency, strengthen cost control management and build a high-quality supply chain network that combines resilience and flexibility to address uncertainty in the shipping market.

OOCL recorded its highest ever first half-year liftings and liner revenue outside of the pandemic period.  The total liftings for the first half of 2026 increased by 5.2% and total liner revenue increased by 5.5% year on year. 

In the first half of 2026, OOCL recorded an average bunker price of approximately US$582 per ton, an 8% increase compared to US$541 per ton in the same period of 2025.  The increase in bunker price and the rise in overall fuel oil and diesel consumption from operating a larger fleet resulted in higher bunker cost during the period.

Amid a complex and rapidly changing market environment, we have remained firmly committed to steadily advancing the expansion, greening and digitalisation of our fleet.  Following the ordering of two batches of methanol dual fuel container vessels, the Group announced in April 2026 the construction of 12 units of 13,600 TEU class LNG dual fuel container vessels, demonstrating our determination to build a greener fleet through multiple pathways while adapting to changing market conditions.  In June, the OOCL Wisdom was delivered as scheduled.  On 3rd July, after completing green methanol bunkering at Qingdao Port, she commenced her maiden voyage to Europe.  This is the first green methanol dual fuel container vessel delivered to the Group and is currently the largest vessel of its type in the world.  The successful deployment of OOCL Wisdom not only strengthened our effective capacity at the right time, but also marked a new milestone in turning OOCL's green strategy into real operational progress.

In the first half of 2026, OOCL Logistics navigated a complex global landscape characterised by persistent geopolitical considerations, regional trade adjustments, and ongoing supply chain realignment.  These conditions reinforced the imperative for diversification, agility, and technological enablement, aligning closely with our strategic focus.  Throughout the period, we maintained steady operational performance and sustained our commitment to integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions.  Demand for sophisticated supply chain management services remained firm, underpinned by regionalisation trends and our customers' requirements for responsive supply chain networks.  Our teams successfully navigated the complex operating environment, preserving service stability and supporting evolving sourcing and distribution needs.

Today, OOCL has not only integrated artificial intelligence into its internal processes, vessel and container management, customer service, network operations, compliance and planning functions, but is also committed to building a digital and intelligent network across the entire end-to-end supply chain.  Through enhancing overall supply chain efficiency, improving reliability and strengthening competitiveness, we are putting our mission into action — to be the most innovative international container transportation and logistics service provider.

At the time of writing this report, our vessels sailing on vast majority of long-haul routes are fully loaded, and this is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, the global trade landscape continues to evolve, and market volatility may become the new normal.  As new vessels continue to be delivered and the peak season approaches its end, freight rates may come under pressure.  Although the global economy and container trade continue to face considerable uncertainty, demand retains a certain degree of resilience.  At the same time, sudden geopolitical risks, changing trade and tariff policies, diverging regional economic developments, recurring port congestion and fragmented environmental regulatory requirements may all disrupt supply chains.  These developments may from time to time test the responsiveness and adaptability of carriers, while also creating opportunities for their growth.

The Group will raise the bar on enhancing its resilience and sustainable development through the strengthening of its overall capabilities.  We will continue to optimise capacity deployment and network configuration, advance the development of key corridors, and strengthen supply chain resource integration and end-to-end service capabilities.  Adhering to the principle of prudent operation, we will reinforce cost control, actively expand market opportunities, and accelerate our digital and green transformation, to provide high quality and reliable services to our customers, while continuing to play an important role in connecting industries, markets and global trade.

As at 30th June 2026, the Group had cash and bank balances of US$5,783.1 million compared with debt obligations of US$565.8 million repayable within one year.  The Group remained at net cash position with a net cash to equity ratio of 0.33 : 1 as at 30th June 2026.  The Group from time to time prepares and updates cashflow forecasts for asset acquisitions, to serve project development requirements, as well as working capital needs, from time to time with the objective of maintaining a proper balance between a conservative liquidity level and an effective investment of surplus funds.

OOIL owns one of the world's largest international integrated container transport businesses which trades under the name “OOCL".  With over 430 offices in more than 90 countries/regions, the Group is one of Hong Kong's most international businesses.  OOIL is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

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Issued by:        Orient Overseas (International) Limited

For further information contact

Martin Kan                 Investor Relations                   (852) 2833 3143

Website:                      https://www.ooilgroup.com

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