The numbers of orders for new-build containerships with Chinese shipyards continues to rise, as the US consider penalties at its ports for vessels built in China.
The world’s largest three carriers – MSC, Maersk and Hapag Lloyd – all appear to be continuing to order new ships from China, which is seemingly not going down well with the Trump administration.
This week, The Loadstar reported that MSC have returned to their favourite shipyard to order up to eight new vessels, following orders of 32 vessels from the same Chinese supplier in the past three years.
Maersk have limited ships on order, but are reported to have set their sights on up to 30 new containerships. The Danish carrier is understood to have recently approached Chinese shipbuilders for a dozen new vessels.
While Hapag Lloyd confirmed themselves in November that they have ordered 24 new ships split between two Chinese ship builders.
The trend of buying from China seems to have driven the US government into looking of ways to prevent it. Following a recent investigation, the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed fees for China-built ships calling at US ports.
The proposal suggests fees based on scaling prices according to how many Chinese built vessels are operated by the carrier and could range between $500,000 and $1.5m per call, which would likely impact prices for importers and exporters if the fees are introduced.
The team at Westbound will be monitoring developments.
If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.
