by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

With the implementation of the US port fees measures starting as soon as 14 October 2025, several container carriers announced this week their preparedness for the new regulations.

The port fees will be phased in over three years, increasing incrementally, and affecting Chinese operators, shipowners, and operators using Chinese-built vessels.

French carrier CMA CGM said it began preparing for these changes by developing an adaptive contingency plan during the 180-day grace period following the USTR announcement on 17 April.

"We currently expect to both maintain our service coverage to all scheduled U.S. ports and minimise any impacts of the upcoming USTR fees," said the liner.

Similarly, its Ocean Alliance partner COSCO SHIPPING Lines has expressed confidence in its ability to ensure stable and reliable services in the US despite the new port service fees.

The company said it is committed to maintaining stable capacity deployment and service quality while enhancing its product portfolio to meet the evolving demands of the US market.

The world's largest container liner, MSC, has also announced that it has proactively restructured its global vessel network in response to the new fees.

According to a report by the Journal of Commerce, MSC CEO Soren Toft stated that the company will absorb or avoid the cost of the new fees, which are estimated to add up to USD 600 per container.

The adjustments MSC will implement ensure "full alignment with applicable US trade regulations while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of MSC’s service offerings,” the carrier said in an announcement.

In their contingency plan, impacted liners might be able to avoid the fees by reassigning Chinese vessels to other routes.

Nevertheless, an HSBC report estimated that COSCO SHIPPING - being a Chinese company with Chinese-built vessels - could face a potential financial hit of up to USD 1.5 billion next year due to the new fees.