Buoyed by increased traffic and strong shipping rates, the global shipping lines recorded stronger growth last year.
In the UAE, Maersk Sealand also recorded strong results, its officials said.
Jesper Kjaedegaard, chief executive for Maersk West and Central Asia, said: World trade is basically healthy. The fundamentals are sound for continued solid growth in international trade. Globally businesses are reporting improvements in their performance.
Results are improving for most, even though many companies have faced increasing logistics costs.
"The year 2005 is off to a good start and there is no reason why we should not see these positive developments sustained.
In this region, it is particularly pleasing to see the renewed momentum in the Middle East peace process paired with relative peaceful elections in Iraq. Indications are good towards continued growth, he added.
Maersk Sealand last week awarded its customers for their support, loyalty and commitment.
Poonam Datta, Maersk managing director for the UAE, Oman and Qatar, said 2004 had been another record-breaking year for the company.
"Maersk Sealand never lost sight of the ultimate goal, which has always been to provide second to none service to its customers consistently," she said at the gathering.
Maersk Sealand is the largest liner shipping company in the world, serving customers globally. More than 300 container vessels and 950,000 containers ensure a reliable and comprehensive worldwide coverage.
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