Wallenius Wilhelmsen has posted a weaker-than-expected profit for the fourth quarter, but is confident of improvements in the mid-term.

The Oslo-listed car carrier operator said the pandemic has had a "significant impact" on operations, with cargo levels 4% below the corresponding period in 2019 but ahead of the low point in the second quarter of 2020.

Net profit rose to $47m from $41m in 2019, with adjusted Ebitda flat at $150m.