Improvements in multiple markets, coupled with targeted growth, have driven Maersk Broker to an improved 2017 performance — with the momentum continuing into this year.
The privately owned brokerage this week revealed a profit of DKK 44.9m ($7.1m) for last year, beating the DKK 29.8m seen in 2016.
Maersk Broker chief executive Anders Hald told TradeWinds he was very satisfied with the results.
He explained newbuilding and time charter business concluded in 2017 had helped to grow the company's forward orderbook.
He noted the sale-and-purchase desk had been involved in more than100 vessel sales, while the newbuilding and container markets had also been stronger.
Improvements in the dry cargo sector and Maersk Broker’s own enhanced organisation had also boosted performance, Hald said.
Further inorganic growth in 2017 came via the purchase of Kennedy Marr Group as Maersk Broker increased its foothold in the offshore arena.
The executive said 2018 was off to a “very reasonable start”.
“It is too early to make predictions as to the full-year 2018 results," Hald told TradeWinds.
"But the volume of new business generated during the first four months of this year does fuel the likelihood of both achieving and hopefully exceeding the financial results of the previous couple of years.
“The progressive development we have initiated, both in terms of business development and our organisation, will continue within all our active commercial areas.
“This not least in respect of our Dry Cargo Chartering, Offshore and Advisory Service, including our expanding Research activities.”
