As the world continues to change, and companies look to optimize their results while minimizing shipping fees, it’s imperative that they effectively navigate port fees. As the industry and US policy adjust, now is the time to integrate a forward-thinking strategy into your shipping approaches. No longer can companies afford to be reactive by merely managing costs. Now, they must anticipate fees, adapt routes, and safeguard margins.
Let’s dive into how port fees are evolving, what carriers are doing to respond, where cost pressures may land, and how you can position your business to better navigate this new terrain.
Why Port Fees Are Getting More Attention Now
Port fees traditionally include port services, cargo handling, terminal access, and costs related to port infrastructure. Starting in October 2025, however, the US has implemented new fees targeting Chinese-built, owned, or operated vessels calling at US ports. The top 10 global carriers could experience approximately $3.2 billion in additional costs because of this new policy.
These fees are structured per net tonnage or on a container basis and will increase in the coming years. And because Chinese shipbuilding dominates global vessel supply, many global carriers have a significant share of China-built ships.
In response, carriers are already reshuffling fleet deployments, reassigning China-built vessels away from US trades, and reconfiguring service rotations to mitigate exposure. For example, Ocean Network Express (ONE) shifted 10 Chinese-built ships off Asia-US routes to Asia-Mediterranean service loops, and French shipping group CMA CGM has also announced network changes to avoid fees.
While the policy is controversial and not yet fully clarified, it’s clear the industry is entering a new phase: one where vessel origin, ownership structure, and route planning all factor into port-fee risks.
How Carriers Are Adapting and the Effects on Forwarders and Shippers
As port fees increase, carriers are making adjustments. Some of their approaches include:
Fleet Redeployment and Route Design
Carriers are increasingly treating port fee exposure as a route-optimization variable. By pulling Chinese-built ships out of US rotation or consolidating ports of call, they aim to reduce or eliminate fee liability. Some lines, including industry giant MSC, have openly discussed network changes to avoid penalties targeted at Chinese ships. At the same time, some carriers promise they will not pass the fees onto shippers, resolving instead to absorb costs internally or offset them across other parts of their network.
Avoiding Smaller Ports
Because fees may make each port call more expensive, carriers may choose to prioritize fewer calls or avoid smaller, lower-volume ports. MSC’s CEO warned that peripheral ports such as Oakland could be at risk if additional port stops become prohibitively expensive.
Gaps in Clarity and Dispute Potential
The World Shipping Council has called attention to gaps in how US rules define “owner,” “operator,” or “built in China,” particularly in lease structures and vessel titles. Ambiguities in enforcement, revenue allocation, and exemption rules create grey zones in which disputes and arbitrage may emerge.
Looking at the Broader Cost Impact
Navigating port fees means developing a plan, but first, we need to look at all the costs that could be coming down the pike—and the broader impact of those expenses on the industry.
Direct Fee Burden
A ship’s call under the new rules can incur charges based on net tonnage or container equivalent. For large vessel, fees may exceed $1 million per port call, especially for ships carrying more than 10,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit, which is the standard unit for measuring cargo ships). Analysts have estimated that, for certain lines, these fees could cut 65–74% off operating profits if the policy is fully embraced by carriers.
Route and Fuel Costs
As carriers adjust routing to avoid calls in the US or consolidate port visits, some routes may become longer or less efficient. This then results in higher fuel burn and, of course, increased operating costs.
Margin Pressure and Surcharge Uncertainty
While some carriers have said they plan to absorb the fees (at least initially), over time, they may introduce surcharges, revise contract terms, or reprice services to account for this new cost variable.
Competitive Distortion and Capacity Shifts
Cargo lines with more modern, non-China-built fleets may gain a competitive advantage when navigating port fees. On the other hand, some may face capacity constraints or network inefficiencies.
Tips for Better Navigating Port Fees
Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder will be key to managing the increased fees that are on the horizon. Here are some strategic approaches that forwarders should employ to weather the changing environment:
- Analyze Exposure in Shipping Routes: Freight forwarders should continually review carriers, vessel types, and which ships or routes may be facing increased fees.
- Use Carrier Network Flexibility: When possible, freight forwarders should choose carriers with more flexible fleets (and less China-built exposure) or those that will absorb fees.
- Negotiate Clarity in Contracts: Contracts should specify whether the carrier or shipper is responsible for port fees in defined scenarios. They should be crystal clear about vessel substitutions, reroutes, and surcharge provisions.
- Consolidate or Reduce Port Calls: When appropriate, forwarders should aim to include fewer port stops. Even when this adds inland transport, the combined cost may be lower than paying multiple fees.
- Monitor Policy and Exemptions: Staying up to date with regulatory guidance, exemptions, and legal challenges will be key to navigating port fees. This means that flexibility is imperative.
- Leverage Relationships and Proactive Communication: An established freight forwarder will maintain ongoing communication with carriers, port agents, and clients to stay ahead of changes. They’ll know in advance about risks and be able to negotiate better terms before fees get too far afield.
A Look on the Bright Side
While the news about fees may seem like a negative, there are always silver linings. Here are some of the areas where the global shipping industry may benefit from regulatory changes:
- Potential New Shipbuilding Markets: One of the reasons behind new port fees is to spur shipbuilding in the US—or at least shift future orders away from Chinese yards. Over time, you may see more options in diverse shipbuilding markets as competition shifts.
- Better Transparency and Planning: The visibility created from this disruption encourages more rigorous scenario planning, cost modeling, and resilience in shipping strategies, which is beneficial regardless of fee outcomes.
Navigating Port Fees with Cyclone Shipping
Port fees will continue to be a pressure point in global shipping over the coming years. But in change lies opportunity. Those companies that understand the evolving structure, negotiate proactively, and maintain flexibility will be better positioned. The good news is that, as a business owner, you don’t have to take on these tasks yourself. You have the option to partner with an experienced, forward-thinking freight forwarder.
Cyclone Shipping can help you analyze route exposure, negotiate with carriers, and plan for a smoother transition in this shifting landscape. Contact us to learn how to safeguard your shipments and stay ahead of rising port fees.
