Maritime Industry Briefing: Maersk Raises Profit Outlook, CMA CGM Invests in Oman, and US Offshore Wind Retreats

## Maersk Sharply Upgrades Full-Year Profit Forecast A.P. Moller-Maersk has significantly raised its full-year profit forecast, citing the benefits of ongoing supply chain disruption, according to Seatrade Maritime. The world's second-largest container line is among the carriers that have seen freight rates and earnings buoyed by continued rerouting of vessels away from the Red Sea, as well as broader market volatility that has tightened effective capacity. The upward revision underscores how geopolitical instability continues to reshape the economics of global container shipping, rewarding carriers with diversified networks and strong contract books. ## CMA CGM and Asyad Group to Build $400 Million Sohar Terminal French shipping giant CMA CGM and Omani logistics group Asyad have announced a joint $400 million investment to develop a new multi-purpose logistics terminal at the Port of Sohar, Seatrade Maritime reports. The facility will expand Sohar's capacity to handle containerised and general cargo, reinforcing Oman's strategic position as a logistics hub on key East-West trade lanes. The deal reflects CMA CGM's continued appetite for port and terminal infrastructure investment as part of its broader integrated logistics strategy, and signals growing confidence in the Gulf region's long-term trade growth prospects. ## Intra-Asia Container Mini-Peak Fades The short-lived surge in intra-Asia container demand appears to be running out of steam, according to shipping consultant Drewry. Seatrade Maritime reports that early indicators suggest the regional mini-peak — driven by front-loading activity and seasonal factors — is now waning. The cooling of intra-Asia volumes is a closely watched signal for the broader container market, as the region's short-haul trades often serve as a leading indicator of demand trends across major East-West corridors. ## Trump Administration Expands Offshore Wind Lease Termination Campaign The US Department of the Interior has reached a new settlement agreement with North Carolina-based Duke Energy to voluntarily terminate its offshore wind lease in the Carolina Long Bay area, valued at approximately $12 million, according to Splash247. The move is the latest in a series of buyout agreements pursued under the Trump administration's campaign to roll back offshore wind development in US federal waters. The settlements raise significant questions about the future of the US offshore wind supply chain and the viability of projects that had been in various stages of development along the Atlantic seaboard.