US Port Fee on Foreign-Built Vessels Opposed by Shipping Industry

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has come out strongly against a proposed US port fee on foreign-built vessels, describing it as a 'substantial cost burden' that would undermine the competitiveness of international shipping. According to a report from *Seatrade Maritime*, the fee is part of the Biden administration's efforts to boost US shipbuilding as part of its 'Buy American' policies. However, the ICS argues that the fee would effectively penalize foreign-built ships, which make up the vast majority of the global merchant fleet. 'The proposed port user fee would place a substantial cost burden on international shipping companies, the vast majority of which operate foreign-built vessels,' said Guy Platten, Secretary General of the ICS. 'This would undermine the competitiveness of international shipping and global trade at a time when supply chains are already under significant strain.' The ICS represents national shipowners' associations from over 50 countries, accounting for more than 80% of the world's merchant fleet. It has urged the US government to reconsider the proposed fee, arguing that it would ultimately be passed on to American consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices. 'We strongly encourage the US government to work with the international shipping industry to find alternative ways to support the US shipbuilding industry that do not unfairly penalize international shipping companies and global trade,' Platten added. The proposed fee is part of the Biden administration's broader efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign-made goods. However, the maritime industry has warned that such protectionist measures could have unintended consequences for the US economy and global supply chains.