Peters & May Strengthens Group Performance Through Strategic Expansion

Simon Judson, CEO of Peters & May, says the company is positioned well following a strong year © Peters & May

Peters & May has reported strong Group turnover growth in 2025, reflecting the continued execution of its long-term strategy to strengthen forwarding capabilities, consolidate its global network, and deliver a more resilient, end-to-end logistics offering across marine and specialist freight markets.

Peters & May reported strong growth across its global Forwarding and Courier operations in 2025, with turnover increasing by 26% compared to 2024, reflecting sustained demand for integrated freight, customs and specialist logistics services. Momentum also continued in the US forwarding operation, driven by transatlantic trade and an increase in US-origin enquiries requiring specialist logistics support.

This performance builds on consistent growth across the Group. Peters & May recorded average annual turnover growth of 17% between 2022 and 2025, outperforming its long-term average growth between 2010 and 2022.

UK Forwarding has been a core contributor to this trajectory, delivering sustained, multi-year growth. Turnover increased by 24% between 2021 and 2023, followed by a further 26% increase between 2023 and 2025, underlining the division's role as a key growth engine within the Group, supported by improved network integration and secured vessel capacity across key trade lanes.

Further capability was added in 2025 through the integration of Peters & May's Netherlands facility, completed in September. This development enhanced customs clearance and bonded warehousing capacity, providing greater control, efficiency and flexibility across UK-EU movements and reinforcing the Group's forwarding proposition.

Alongside divisional growth, Peters & May continued to strengthen its global network through targeted strategic partnerships.

The joint venture with BATI Yacht Transport has expanded service depth across Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing the Group's yacht transport capabilities in the region.

In Northern Europe, a new partnership with Briese Chartering secured guaranteed monthly vessel capacity on the Northern Europe-East Mediterranean route. The first sailing under the agreement, BBC Bahrain, departed fully utilised both under deck and on deck, reflecting strong demand and improved reliability during peak periods.

Peters & May also maintained momentum in its sustainability programme throughout 2025. The Group achieved Planet Mark Business Certification for the second consecutive year, installed 186 solar panels at its UK warehouse, introduced EV charging infrastructure, and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050.

Simon Judson, CEO of Peters & May, commented: "2025 has been a strong year for the Group, marked by disciplined growth, an exceptional performance from our Forwarding Division, and continued investment in the capability and resilience of our global network. These developments position Peters & May well as we look ahead to 2026.

"By securing ships through our partnership with Briese Chartering and strengthening our Mediterranean network, we're making sure clients get reliable service, flexibility, and long-term stability, even as global trade becomes more complicated."

Looking ahead, Peters & May expects more activity in 2026 as yachts are moved into place for major regattas and boat shows, including the Monaco Yacht Show and Dubai International Boat Show, as well as early preparations for the 2026 America's Cup.

Assessing market conditions, Judson noted that geopolitical uncertainty and routing constraints are expected to remain influential across certain corridors.

He continued: "Managing vessel capacity during peak seasonal demand continues to be a key challenge across the sector. While the transatlantic route remains our most stable trade lane, shipments via the Suez to and from the Persian Gulf and Asia — supported by our partnership with Bahri Shipping — enable significantly reduced transit times, particularly for movements connected to the Eastern Mediterranean.

"While the mid-sized yacht market remains relatively subdued, we are seeing increased activity in larger motor yachts, particularly those above 35 metres. Performance sailing yachts continue to move seasonally, but the strongest growth is in luxury motor yachts relocating between the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia."

Peters & May's Racing Division also reported a busy year, supporting teams from Australia and Europe for the resurrected Admiral's Cup in the Solent, as well as return movements to home ports and onward logistics for the Middle Sea Race. Long-standing service partnerships with the 52 SUPER SERIES and RC44 Championship remained central to racing activity throughout 2025.

Notable individual yacht movements during the year included logistics support for Black Pearl (54ft), Black Jack (100ft) and Whisper (66ft).