Samudera Shipping Line Ltd told shareholders at its annual general meeting on Apr, 28 2026 that recent gross-margin pressure stemmed mainly from soft freight rates, while higher fuel prices and lease expenses added to overall costs.

Group Chief Executive Officer Bani Maulana Mulia said the company is countering margin compression by upgrading to newer, more fuel-efficient vessels and optimising ship operations. The carrier also relies on bunker-surcharge clauses embedded in its customer contracts to pass through unexpected spikes in fuel prices, a measure the board considers more effective than fuel-price hedging.

Despite holding about 350 million Singapore dollars in cash (denominated in U.S. dollars), Samudera continues to carry more than 200 million Singapore dollars in bank loans. Management said the liquidity buffer ensures funds are available for timely vessel purchases and other growth opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asian niche ports. The company is reviewing additional financing options with several banks this year.

Finance Director Ridwan Hamid and independent director Max Loh added that reported finance costs of about 18 million Singapore dollars for FY2025 reflect interest on both bank borrowings and lease liabilities. When lease obligations are included, total debt stood closer to 330 million Singapore dollars.

Samudera reiterated its core focus on container shipping. The group operates chemical tankers but no longer carries crude oil. Indonesia remains a key market, although the company faces multiple local and regional competitors.