Despite the problems faced by many players in the market over the past few years, the Danish giant’s ability to control costs and limit losses while building revenues has given others hope.

However, a weak fourth quarter has taken a shine off the company’s performance. So much so, it slashed its dividend — and chairman Michael Pram Rasmussen said he would step down and be replaced by former SAP co-chief executive Jim Hagemann Snabe.

Maersk