In recent shipping industry developments, Hong Kong-based container line OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) has openly expressed concerns about the "relatively large impact" it expects from new port fees imposed by the U.S. on Chinese carriers. These charges, set to be phased in starting October 2025, target vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies and could reshape operational strategies and trade flows.
Parent company Orient Overseas (International) Ltd (OOIL), owned by China's COSCO Shipping, highlighted these concerns in its mid-2025 earnings report. While OOIL posted a resilient financial performance-with a net profit of $954 million in H1 2025, up from $833 million the previous year-the impending fees cast a shadow on future profitability.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will administer the new fees through the Pay.gov platform. Starting October 14, 2025, vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies will be subject to initial charges of $50 per net ton, escalating to $140 per net ton by 2028. Non-payment could result in denied departure clearances or cargo operation bans.
These fees are part of a broader U.S. effort to counter China's dominance in shipbuilding and boost domestic shipyard capacity. They apply primarily to Chinese-operated vessels, those built in China, or ships ordered from Chinese yards.
⚠️ How Is OOCL Responding?
OOCL is not taking these changes passively. The carrier has already initiated strategic shifts to mitigate exposure to the new costs:
It has launched a China-Mexico service that avoids direct calls to U.S. ports.
It is strengthening collaboration with parent company COSCO Shipping for cost optimization and risk control.
The company is also investing in fleet modernization, including ordering 14 dual-fuel methanol-powered vessels of 18,500 TEU capacity, signaling a long-term pivot toward sustainability and operational flexibility.
The new fees are introducing widespread uncertainty across the container shipping market:
- Trade Pattern Shifts: OOCL notes that global trade is becoming more regionalized. Supply chains are being restructured, which could lead to opportunities in segmented markets despite the challenges.
- Geopolitical Factors: Ongoing issues such as Red Sea disruptions, fluctuating tariff policies, and trade disputes are already influencing carrier performance and freight rates.
- Competitive Rebalancing: Since Chinese carriers account for ~17% of Far East-US import volumes, their potential withdrawal or service adjustments could create gaps in the market. Non-Chinese carriers may gain leverage, but capacity shortages could arise if vessel-sharing agreements are reconfigured.
- Diversify Routing: Consider leveraging alternatives such as routes via Mexico or Canada to avoid direct U.S. port calls.
- Monitor Surcharges: Expect potential surcharges-experts estimate fees could add $300-$1,000 per FEU depending on the vessel and call pattern.
- Book Early: With potential congestion and service changes, early booking is advisable, especially for Transpacific services.
- OOCL's warning underscores the growing interplay between geopolitics and global logistics. While the company remains profitable and proactive, the new U.S. port fees will likely compel Chinese carriers to rethink deployment, partnerships, and pricing. Staying informed and agile will be key for shippers navigating this evolving landscape.
For reliable updates and strategic insights on ocean freight trends, stay tuned to our blog and reports.
