Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has reported a near-tenfold increase in first-half net profit as it continues to reap the rewards of the red-hot containership and bulker markets.

The Japanese company, one of the world's largest shipowners, booked net profit of ¥274.8bn ($2.4bn) against ¥30.2bn in the corresponding period last year.

Revenue for the first half came in a shade under ¥600bn against the ¥484.7bn