Container ship giant Cosco Shipping Holdings expects to post a big drop in interim earnings in weaker markets.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai-listed owner said net profit is expected to be CNY 19.66bn ($2.71bn) in the first six months, down 74.4% from CNY 76.8bn in 2022, when rates were at record highs.

Pre-tax earnings will be around CNY 24.69bn,