Trader Trafigura Group has more than doubled interim earnings against a background of geopolitical uncertainty and lucrative tanker markets.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine redrew trading patterns, the Swiss shipowner and charterer produced net profit of $5.5bn in the six months to 31 March.

The company noted continued buoyant demand from a global customer base relying on it to help “secure access to vital resources in an increasingly complex world”.