A recent proposal by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) aims to impose port service fees on China-built vessels arriving at U.S. ports, regardless of their ownership. This development could significantly impact Greek shipowners, whose fleets frequently utilize Chinese-built ships for transatlantic trade. With new rules taking effect in October 2025, the Greek maritime industry may face more than $1 billion in additional costs unless exemptions apply.
A Quarter of Greek Fleet’s U.S. Arrivals Involve China-Built Ships
In 2024, 24% of Greek-owned ships calling at U.S. ports were built in China, totaling 903 voyages and 58.6 million dwt in cargo capacity. These ships would fall under the new fee regime. Out of 1,519 distinct Greece-owned ships arriving from foreign markets, 432 were China-built, putting nearly a third of the fleet’s U.S.-bound operations at financial risk.
Fleet Composition Shows Heavy Reliance on Asian Shipbuilding
The broader Greece-owned cargo fleet includes 4,033 vessels above 10,000 dwt, heavily reliant on Asian shipyards:
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34% of the fleet was built in South Korea
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32% in China
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26% in Japan
This distribution indicates that almost one-third of Greece’s deep-sea commercial shipping operations could face extra charges unless vessels meet exemption criteria.
Revised U.S. Plan Offers Partial Relief Through Exemptions
Responding to industry feedback, the USTR has revised its plan, softening the financial blow through several exemptions:
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Ships arriving empty are exempt — benefiting U.S. exporters who load vessels for outbound trade.
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Exempted ship types include:
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Shortsea shipping vessels (under 2,000 nautical miles)
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Containerships ≤ 4,000 TEU
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Bulk commodity ships ≤ 55,000 dwt
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Ships with individual bulk capacity of ≤ 80,000 dwt
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While these carve-outs provide some relief, larger dry bulk and oil carriers, which made up most of Greece’s U.S. voyages, may still face substantial charges.
Fee Rollout Timeline and Industry Impact
The fee implementation begins October 14, 2025, with incremental increases in subsequent years. In 2024, the Greek fleet made 3,749 journeys to U.S. ports, accounting for 281.7 million dwt — highlighting the magnitude of trade potentially affected.
Among vessel types:
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Bulk carriers accounted for 536 voyages
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Containerships: 175 voyages
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Crude oil tankers: 98 voyages
Greek shipowners and global trade partners will need to closely monitor U.S. policy changes and prepare strategies to mitigate the financial impact of this fee system.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
