- COSCO-operated containership Halley skips Chinese ports after being charged.
- The move is seen as a signal of Beijing’s strict and impartial enforcement.
- Vessel reportedly affected due to US ownership stake above 25% threshold.
It seems like Beijing might be using the Halley case to demonstrate how serious and fair it is about enforcing the new port fees. This sends a clear message that even COSCO Shipping, the country’s biggest state-owned shipping company, isn’t above the rules. The 2,550 teu containership Halley (IMO: 9275062), which is operated by COSCO, has reportedly been avoiding Chinese ports ever since the new port fees for vessels linked to the US were introduced on October 14, reports Lloyd’s List.
Vessel Designated Under New US Ownership Rules
The Halley, built in South Korea and chartered by COSCO in April 2025 for a two-year stint in intra-Asia services, was flagged for fees after it was found that its US ownership exceeded 25%, which is the limit set by China’s Ministry of Transport. This action seems to be a response to the new port tariffs announced the same day by the US Trade Representative (USTR) that target China’s maritime industry.
COSCO Becomes Unintended Casualty of China’s Retaliation
Few expected that COSCO Shipping, itself affected by US trade measures, would face repercussions under Beijing’s new regime. “It may be China’s way of demonstrating strict and impartial enforcement, even state-owned companies are not exempt,” a source close to the company said, adding that Halley may not be the only COSCO-chartered vessel impacted.
Vessel Waits Off Ningbo, Then Diverts to Singapore
According to sources from Lloyd’s List, the Liberia-flagged Halley was anchored off Ningbo for several days while COSCO tried to get an exemption from the authorities. An alternative plan to head to Hong Kong, which confirmed it wouldn’t impose mainland China’s fees, reportedly didn’t make much headway. Vessel-tracking data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence indicates that Halley, which arrived off Ningbo on October 19, turned south toward Singapore earlier today.
Schedule Updates and Ownership Details
A COSCO subsidiary, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), included the Halley in its schedule update on October 24 for the ‘CHL5’ service that connects China and Ho Chi Minh City, with stops in Ningbo (October 25) and Qingdao (October 30). Some ship databases list the vessel’s beneficial owner as Greywolf Capital Management, a US-based investment firm that made headlines in June 2023 after launching a $330 million fund for containerships. It’s still unclear if the diversion to Singapore was due to enforcement or if any exemptions were granted. The ship’s inability to dock in Ningbo and Qingdao suggests otherwise.
The Enforcement Scope Remains Unclear
Beijing’s port fee policy offers waivers for Chinese-built vessels, empty ships needing repairs, and other approved exceptions, but the exact criteria for these exemptions haven’t been made public. Additionally, authorities haven’t shared any information on how many ships have actually been charged under this new policy. Earlier reports from domestic media indicated that at least two vessels operated by Matson faced fees, but we’re still waiting for official confirmation. COSCO Shipping, Greywolf Capital Management, and China’s Ministry of Transport have all been contacted for their input.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
