JB Ugland Group has reported strong annual results for 2018. But shipping, which was once key to the Ugland family's business activities, now plays a minor role in the company's results.

Parent outfit JB Ugland Holding increased its pre-tax profits sharply in 2018 to NOK 319m ($36.9m), from NOK 247m ($29m) a year before.

Operating revenues for the Grimstad-based privately owned company totalled NOK 847m, down from NOK 850m.