Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, the fourth biggest container shipping line in the world, has posted a 9.4 percent year-on-year operating profit increase to EUR366.4 million (US$916.1 million), drawn on revenues of EUR8.8 billion, up 29.4 percent.

"The significant revenue increase was primarily attributable to the merger with CSAV's container business in December 2014." said the Hapag Lloyd statement accompanying the results.

Volume increased 25 percent year on year to 7.4 million TEU in 2015, but rates fell 16.4 percent to an average of $1,225, offset by a 78.1 percent in bunker costs to an average price of USD$312 per tonne in 2015.

In the fourth quarter operating profit (EBITDA) reached EUR140.4 million after a net loss of EUR79.7 million year on year.