Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd reroute US-flag ships to bypass China’s new port fees

Global container shipping leaders Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have redirected two US-flagged vessels away from Chinese ports after Beijing imposed new “Special Port Fees” on ships linked to the United States.

China’s Ministry of Transport announced on October 10 that the fees would apply to vessels that are US-built, US-flagged, or owned or operated by US entities, with the rule taking effect on October 14. The measure is widely viewed as a retaliatory response to ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.

According to industry sources, the two shipping companies have rerouted the affected ships to other Asian ports to avoid the additional charges and operational disruptions. Both carriers are now reviewing the broader financial and logistical implications of the policy on their regional operations. The diversions highlight rising uncertainty in US–China maritime trade, as shipping lines reconsider network strategies to mitigate exposure to new regulatory and cost risks.