AP Moller-Maersk is set to concentrate future investment away from its core container shipping line after Nils Andersen, chief executive, said proceeds of a DKr9.2bn ($1.8bn) share placing would probably be spent in other business areas.

Mr Andersen told the Financial Times he saw investment opportunities coming up in the oil and gas sectors, container terminals and in non-container shipping, such as oil drilling ships. However, in container shipping, where the company’s Maersk Line is the biggest operator, there was significant overcapacity and the industry faced several difficult years.