Taiwan-based shipping company Wan Hai Lines surpassed Maesrk Line to become the world’s most profitable carrier in 2015, according to a report by Alphaliner.

Wan Hai reported earnings of US$127m before interest and tax (EBIT), putting its operating margins 6.3 per cent above its US$2bn revenue. This compares to Maersk Line’s US$1.4bn EBIT on revenue of US$23.7bn, putting its operating margins at 6 per cent. CMA CGM posted operating profit margins of 5.8 per cent and OOCL ranked fourth with 5 per cent.

In a statement on its website, Wan Hai said it “continues to be at the leading edge of intra-Asia market by strictly controlling the liner schedule to ensure container service punctuality, offering most comprehensive and intensive shipping network and enhancing all aspects of customer service efficiency”.