Awilhelmsen reports slimmer profit for 2019 ahead of coronavirus hit

Awilhelmsen group has reported a decline in profit for 2019 and is facing a a major hit from the coronavirus this year.

The major Norwegian maritime company's reported an annual profit of NOK 5bn ($500m), down from NOK 730m earned in 2018.

The company reported operating revenue of NOK 1.79bn for 2019, down from NOK 1.58bn a year earlier.

With huge investments in cruise and hotels, the family-owned, Oslo-based company was hit hard when the coronavirus hit the world early this year.