DOZENS of Southampton staff at container shipping firm Maersk are today wondering whether a plan to shed up to 3,000 staff globally will see the axe fall on them.

The Danish container line, the world's biggest, has 50 staff in Romsey Road, left over from its takeover of UK rival P&O Nedlloyd in 2005.

Despite its ships being a familiar sight in Southampton, the line, which has a 500-strong fleet has been struggling.

In a bid to return to profit, management have unveiled a four point plan: Fill ships with profitable cargo; provide the most reliable product; provide faster, more responsive service; reduce complexity and cost.

It is the last point that will worry Southampton staff, who know it means a 12 per cent cut to Maersk's 25,000 staff.

Although full details of the posts to be cut won't be revealed until April, many of the losses will come from middle management and from regional offices.

Maersk Line chief executive Eivind Kolding said: "Maersk Line has a strong ambition to reinforce its leading position in the market and to return to long-term profitability - this strategy will drive us towards these goals. Maersk Line will be dependable, customer-focused and highly competitive.

"The reality is that a leaner and simpler business requires fewer people and this means there will be fewer positions in Maersk Line."