News / Size not so important: niche carrier Wan Hai holds off Maersk to become the most profitable container line

The operating profits of the majority of ocean carriers sank into the red in Q4 last year, but a wide disparity between the fortunes of the lines has been revealed.

The average EBIT [earnings before interest and tax] in the fourth quarter 2015 of 14 carriers that publish their financial results was a negative 5.9%, compared with a positive 5.2% in the first three months of the year, said Alphaliner.

And the negative trend has continued into 2016, according to new analysis from the industry consultant.

“In the second ...