The task was quite specific when Morten Engelstoft began as chief executive of Maersk's port and terminal business APM Terminals two and a half years ago. Both regarding new business opportunities lying before him and the limits imposed on him by Maersk shareholders.

In brief, APM Terminals might on one hand have had prospects for significantly more business from the world's largest container line, Maersk Line, which wanted to increasingly utilize the group's own ports instead of competitors' as part of its new strategy.