Neptune Orient Lines could retain the Hapag-Lloyd brand name after a takeover, the Singapore-based container carrier’s chief executive has hinted, as it tries to calm German hostility to a potential deal.

In a Financial Times interview, Ron Widdows, NOL’s new chief executive, also argued that Hapag-Lloyd’s employees and the City of Hamburg – which is backing a rival, all-German bid – would be best served by a NOL takeover.