Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) is committed to maintaining its services to the U.S. as new port fees targeting Chinese vessel operators and owners take effect on October 14.
This signals that the Hong Kong-based company, which falls within this scope, will absorb the Trump administration’s penalties against China’s maritime industry previously announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
“OOCL is deeply committed to the U.S. market. We remain fully compliant with all U.S. policies and regulations,” OOCL said in a statement “Despite the financial burden imposed by these fees, our commitment to the U.S. market is clear and strong.”
“For decades, OOCL has been a trusted partner in facilitating U.S. exports and imports, consistently delivering reliable, secure, and high-quality logistics solutions. That commitment has not changed,” the Hong Kong ocean carrier added.
“Our focus remains on continuously improving schedule reliability, ensuring safety and security, and honoring every service commitment.”
OOCL noted that it is actively enhancing its product offerings to meet the evolving demands of the U.S. market.
“We will continue to deliver unparalleled service quality while maintaining competitive market-level rates and surcharges in line with prevailing market practice,” it said.
OOCL said its commitment to the U.S. market and its customers also remained firm. “We are committed to maintaining our market share and safeguarding our reputation for reliability and excellence.”
The U.S. will begin imposing new port fees on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels starting October 14, 2025, under a policy led by the USTR. The fee structure includes charges of US$50 per net ton, rising to US$140 by 2028, for ships owned or operated by Chinese entities.
Non-Chinese operators using Chinese-built vessels will be charged the higher of US$18–US$33 per net ton or US$120–US$250 per container, depending on the year. These fees apply per inbound voyage and are capped at five chargeable U.S. port calls annually.
According to HSBC Global Investment Research, the financial impact could be substantial. COSCO Shipping may face up to US$1.53 billion in annual fees, representing 5.3% of its projected 2026 revenue, while its subsidiary OOCL could incur US$654 million, or 7.1% of forecast revenue.
Analysts warn the policy could disrupt global shipping patterns, tighten capacity, and raise freight costs. Some carriers have already begun rerouting services through Mexico and the Caribbean to avoid U.S. ports.
