Maersk Line's Profits Eroded by Bunker Fuel Bill

In 2011, Maersk Line consumed 9.4 million tonnes of fuel in its ships for a final bill of USD 5.8 billion

Fuel is the single largest annual cost for Maersk Line. And as the company aims return to profitability, slashing the fleet's fuel consumption comes with a multi-billion dollar incentive.

In 2011, with average bunker fuel prices rising more than 35% during the year, Maersk Line consumed 9.4 million tonnes of fuel for a final bill of USD 5.8 billion.

At the same time, as bunker prices were rising, the prices Maersk Line customers were paying to ship a container from A to B were plummeting, creating a lethal combination for Maersk Line's year-end profit.