China-US Port Fee Dispute Escalates: Maersk Reroutes US-Flagged Vessels

Release time:

2025-10-17

📰 News Summar

On October 14, 2025, China officially implemented a special port fee on US-flagged vessels as part of countermeasures related to the US Section 301 investigation. Under the new regulation, US-flagged ships docking at Chinese ports are required to pay CNY 400 per net ton.

Following the announcement, several trans-Pacific shipping lines adjusted their operations. Maersk announced temporary rerouting of two US-flagged container vessels to bypass Ningbo Port fees, with cargo transferred via South Korean ports.

📊 Key Data

Maersk Vessel Adjustments

Vessel Name	Original Port	Adjustment	Transshipment Port	Effective Date
Potomac Express 542E	Ningbo	No longer calling	Busan, South Korea → Final destination	Oct 14
Maersk Kinloss 543E	Ningbo	No longer calling	South Korea → Ningbo	Oct 14

First Vessels Paying Special Port Fees

Vessel Name	TEU Capacity	Net Tons	Port	Special Port Fee (CNY)
Matson Waikiki	4,870	30,224	Shanghai	12.09 million
Manukai	2,600	11,149	Ningbo	4.46 million

Note: This represents China’s first implementation of a special port fee on US-flagged vessels, confirming that the policy is now officially in effect.

📈 Market Impact

Higher Operational Costs for Shipping Lines
US-flagged vessels calling at Chinese ports face additional port fees. Some carriers reroute cargo via third-country ports, increasing transit complexity.

Volatility in Transit Time and Shipping Costs
Trans-Pacific cargo may experience longer transit times. Small and medium shippers could face higher freight rates and delayed deliveries.

Increased Uncertainty from Policy Dynamics
The China-US port fee dispute is expected to remain fluid. Carrier operational strategies may continue to change, impacting supply chain stability.

💡 Professional Recommendations

Recommendation	Action Steps
Early Booking	Secure bookings in advance to avoid disruptions from vessel rerouting.
Flexible Route Selection	Consider third-country transshipment options to optimize cost and transit time.
Monitor Vessel Flag	US-flagged vessels may need to be rerouted or replaced with non-US vessels.
Maintain Backup Plans	Establish multiple port and carrier options to reduce risk.
Stay in Close Contact with Freight Forwarders	Keep updated on vessel schedules, port congestion, and fee policies.