Japanese-controlled Ocean Network Express (ONE) has notched up a profit about $1bn more than expected.

The Singapore-headquartered liner operator reported a $3.48bn gain for the 2020 financial year, which ended in March.

That is 38% higher than a forecast of $2.52bn in January, and is way up on a profit of $105m in the previous year.

The company attributed the increase to the recovery of cargo demand and rising short-term container freight rates.