Global Shipping Lines Adjust Routes Ahead of U.S. Port Fee on China-Linked Tonnage

1. News Update

To prepare for the U.S. implementation of additional port fees on China-linked tonnage starting October 14, 2025, major global shipping lines and alliances are accelerating adjustments to their fleets and route deployments.

In the container shipping sector, Asian carriers are repositioning their vessels to reduce exposure to the new U.S. charges. According to Linerlytica, the Premier Alliance—comprising HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Yang Ming—will split its current MS2 service into two separate routes:

Asia → Mediterranean (MD2)

Middle East → U.S. Gulf (GS2)

This adjustment allows ONE to withdraw 10 Chinese-built vessels currently deployed on the MS2 service from U.S. ports.

Meanwhile, Orient Overseas International (OOIL) acknowledged in its financial report that the additional U.S. port fees could have a significant impact. COSCO Shipping Group also stated that the fees will have a “relatively large effect” on Chinese-built and operated vessels.

2. Data Overview

Implementation date: October 14, 2025

Scope: Chinese-owned/operated and Chinese-built vessels

Fee for China-owned/operated vessels: USD 50 per net ton initially, rising to USD 140 per ton by April 2028

Fee for non-Chinese operators of Chinese-built vessels: USD 18 per ton or USD 120 per container initially, increasing to USD 33 per ton or USD 250 per container (whichever is higher)

Billing method: Per voyage/rotation, five charges per vessel per year, only applicable at the first port of call

Exemptions: Short-sea shipping, vessels under size thresholds, U.S.-flagged ships, ballast voyages, and specialized export carriers

Shipping company responses:

Maersk: Plans to avoid deploying any Chinese-built vessels on U.S. trade routes and expects competitors to follow suit

COSCO Shipping Group & OOIL: Adjusted trans-Pacific routes, diverting some vessels to Mexican ports

Premier Alliance (HMM, ONE, Yang Ming): Splitting MS2 service to avoid U.S. fees

3. Industry Impact

Increased operational costs: Repositioning vessels and adjusting routes may reduce efficiency

Potential shipping delays: U.S. ports may experience cargo congestion or clearance delays

Cost pass-through to shippers: Additional port fees may be transferred to importers and exporters

Shift in global shipping patterns: Trade flows between Asia and the U.S. may temporarily change

4. Recommendations for Businesses

Plan alternative routes: Consider non-affected ports or transship via Mexico/Canada to avoid U.S. fees

Optimize vessel schedules: Monitor shipping lines’ latest route adjustments and secure bookings in advance

Assess cost responsibility: Clarify fee allocation under FOB/CIF/DDP terms

Diversify supply chains: Explore Southeast Asia, Middle East, and South America markets to reduce dependency on U.S. trade routes

Partner with compliant logistics providers: Ensure transparency in shipping and customs clearance to mitigate risks

5. Take Action Now

With the U.S. port fee policy coming into effect, proactive planning can reduce operational risks.

👉 Passionship International Logistics provides global route optimization, FCL/LCL shipping, customs clearance, and compliance consulting to help your business navigate policy changes safely and efficiently.