Hong Kong-listed Noble shipped a record 98m tonnes of cargo in the first half of this year.

Ricardo Leiman - Noble CEO

It also generated a record turnover of $40bn with a net profit of $343m, an increase of 71% over the first half of 2010.

"We are delighted that we are able to report record first half revenue, volume and operating income in a difficult and volatile business environment," said Noble CEO Ricardo Leiman.

"Our