A.P. Moller - Maersk profit up 15%, box business turns modest profit

Global growth in the container shipping market is expected to decrease compared to 2007 influenced by an expected modest growth in trades to the United States, the group said in its annual report.

It expects the global container fleet to swell by 14 percent gross, although it said the net increase is likely to be lower due to longer average transport distances, larger imbalances and industry measures to reduce service speed due to high fuel costs.

The group added that it is mulling the sale of shares in non- strategic assets that if completed this year could bring a net result of $800 million.