Clarksons has reiterated its 2015 forecast for an adjusted pre-tax profit of around £50m ($72.82m).

The world’s largest shipbroker, which issued a profit warning in November, told the City trading has since been in line with expectations.

Robert Joynson of Nomura said: “Considering that shipping markets weakened during late-2015 – most notably in dry bulk, when the BDI sunk to historical lows (based on data extending back to 1985), but also in the container shipping market – the absence of any change to expectations is testament to the resilience of Clarkson’s broking business.