The world’s largest shipping line, Maersk, is expecting 7-8 per cent growth in container shipping this year, with even greater growth in Asia, according to Reuters.

The company’s Asia Pacific chief executive Jesper Praestensgaard said routes within Asia were growing faster than the rest of the world, despite rising fuel costs and the economic slow-down.

The company has ordered 34 new ships since June for delivery in 2012, and is opening up a new China to Singapore route next week.

Fuel costs currently account for over 50 per cent of Maersk’s operating costs.