Danish owner AP Moller-Maersk says first-quarter profit was as expected, but the likely prolonged Red Sea disruption has caused a major shift in its earnings forecast for the year.

Net profit was down at $208m from $2.3bn in the same period of 2023 as markets fell from record highs.

However, Maersk is planning for the rerouting of ships around South Africa due to Houthi attacks that could continue throughout 2024.