Ernst Russ: Earnings Growth and Clear Future Strategy – Hamburg-based Shipowner Turns a New Chapter in International Shipping News 26/03/2026 2025 was a year of fundamental shifts: transatlantic alliances came under pressure, trade conflicts intensified, and geopolitical tensions – including military events in the Middle East – shaped the operating environment. In this context, Ernst Russ AG has demonstrated the resilience of its business model and is turning a new chapter – with a clear growth trajectory and a resolute focus on the next phase of the company’s development. For the Ernst Russ Group (“ER Group”), the year 2025 marks a deliberate step towards greater transparency and capital market visibility and a new self-image – with a newly formed management team and as a company that is actively shaping its next chapter. Ernst Russ AG is consistently aligning its group strategy towards diversification: with a clear focus on multiple shipping segments, long-term charter contracts, and high-quality counterparties, the company is creating a stable foundation for sustainable returns. In 2025, the Group reinforced this course with the acquisition of two containership newbuildings committed to long-term employment under ten-year charter contracts. At the beginning of 2026, the ER Group successfully continued this course with the acquisition of two multipurpose vessels, each chartered for seven years. The further expansion of the diversified fleet is a firm component of the communicated corporate strategy. The net assets, financial position, and results of operations of the ER Group developed as expected in the 2025 financial year. The Group was able to benefit from the fleet’s sustainable employment concept during the reporting year. The solid equity base with an equity ratio of 79.1% and the ample liquidity at year-end of EUR 114.3 m put the Group in a position to act selectively and decisively. The fleet was optimized to 25 vessels in 2025 and the charter backlog was significantly expanded. The deliberate portfolio management to improve the quality, predictability, and capital market suitability of the fleet caused the average remaining duration of charter contracts to rise by 12.3 months to 26.0 months, with a charter backlog of EUR 448.6 m. In the 2025 financial year, the ER Group generated consolidated revenues of EUR 158.1 m, compared to EUR 172.7 m in the prior year, and EBIT of EUR 96.4 m, compared to EUR 67.7 m in the prior year. The consolidated net profit after non-controlling interests increased from EUR 42.5 m to EUR 73.5 m. In the 2025 financial year, the ER Group’s fleet achieved average charter revenues of USD 18,135 per day at an occupancy rate of 97.7%. The ER Group expects consolidated revenues for the full year 2026 in a range of EUR 145 m to EUR 160 m and an operating result (EBIT) of between EUR 34 m and EUR 44 m. For the year 2025, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of EUR 0.25 per share to the Annual General Meeting. “Our solid equity base and strong liquidity give us the opportunity to invest in a targeted and selective manner. The growing interest from investors and analysts shows that our new strategic direction is resonating with the capital market,” says Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Ernst Russ AG, Dr Christopher Eilers. “With the expansion of our presence in the multipurpose segment at the beginning of 2026, we are consistently implementing our strategy: a diversified flee