The return to profit and the increasing volumes reported by AP Møller-Maersk of Denmark and DP World of Dubai, the two biggest names in the world of container shipping, therefore may signal a recovery in the world economy.
Maersk reported increased volumes of 13% compared to last year. Trans-Pacific routes between Asia and North America were carrying 11% more containers while routes between Asia and Latin America were seeing 18% increases in trade. DP World, the Dubai-based owner of 49 major container terminals in 31 countries, reported an overall increase in container movements at its ports of 7%, while terminals in the Americas, Latin America and Australia saw increases of 31% compared to 2009.