STORY: Maersk shares fell more than 6% in early trade on Thursday (February 5).
Investors sold off the Danish shipping giant's stock after it warned about earnings this year.
The firm said it could see falling freight rates over the next 12 months due to container-vessel overcapacity,
And the gradual resumptions of shorter Red Sea routes - which may cut journey times, but could weigh on freight rates.
The company reported fourth-quarter operating profit roughly in line with forecasts on Thursday.
But going forward the firm is dealing with lower industry demand and a surge in new vessels.
Shipping companies including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have considered returns to the Red Sea corridor, a critical Asia-Europe trade route.
Vessels were rerouted around Africa about two and a half years ago following attacks in the region.
Maersk is often seen as a marker for wider global trade performance.
It projected global container-volume growth of 2% to 4% for this year - down from 5% during the last 12 months.
The firm cited recession risks in the global economy.
Maersk also expects underlying earnings before tax and other costs of between $4.5 billion and $7 billion.
Again, that's down from last years' $9.5 billion.
