ICS opposes proposed US port fees on foreign-built vessels

The long-awaited plan floated the idea to, “Impose a universal infrastructure or security fee on all foreign-built commercial vessels calling at US ports, to be assessed on the weight of the imported tonnage arriving on the vessel.”

The concept is not dissimilar to the US Trade Representative (USTR) fee imposed on Chinese-built vessels briefly in October last year, before being suspended for a 12-month period in November.

The proposed fee on all foreign-built vessels calling the US ranges 1 cent – 25 cents per kilogram yielding an estimated $66 billion - $1.5 trillion over 10 years that be used for a Maritime Security Fund.

The ICS said that it supported the US’ ambition of increasing its shipbuilding capacity and industry but opposed the levying of fees on international shipping.

 “ICS remains opposed to any proposed port fees, including the suggested universal infrastructure or security fee on foreign-built commercial vessels calling at US ports,” the shipowner representative body stated. 

“The imposition of fees based on the weight of imported tonnage, at levels ranging from 1 cent per kilogram to 25 cents per kilogram, would represent a substantial additional cost burden on maritime transport. Such measures risk distorting trade, increasing costs for US consumers and businesses, disrupting the smooth flow of global commerce, and could encourage retaliatory measures.”

It added that the global nature of maritime trade required carefully coordinated solutions that avoid unintended consequences.

“ICS remains committed to working constructively with the US Administration, as well as international partners, to support policies that strengthen maritime capacity while safeguarding the efficiency and integrity of global trade,” it said.