Pacific International Lines (PIL) returned to the black last year posting a profit of $119.5m, reversing a year ago loss of $251.4m.

“The return to profitability in 2017 was driven mainly by an increase in shipping revenue and container sales as well as initiatives which improved operational efficiency,” PIL said in a statement.

The group’s turnover increased by 32% year-on-year to just over $4bn, while ebitda jumped 269% to reach $507.7m.