8th March 2025 – 14th March 2025
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Leadership Insights Webinar: U.S. Trade Representative Section 301: Proposed Remedies
On Monday, 10 March 2025, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) hosted a webinar, to discuss the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed remedies under Section 301, following its investigation into China’s maritime logistics and shipbuilding practices. The session focused on these measures and their potential implications for global shipping, U.S. trade, and the broader maritime industry.
Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping moderated the webinar with Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, Rachel Noronha, Head of Shipping Policy at the International Chamber of Shipping, Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General of BIMCO and Tim Wilkins, Managing Director of INTERTANKO all participating as panellists.
The discussion highlighted several concerns, particularly the lack of clarity surrounding key definitions in the proposed measures. Under the USTR’s remedies, Chinese-operated and Chinese-built vessels calling at U.S. ports would face steep service fees – up to $1 million per vessel for Chinese-operated ships and up to $1.5 million for those built in China. However, significant ambiguity remains regarding how these fees would be calculated, who would be responsible for payment and how shipping fleets would be defined. Without these clarifications, shipping companies are left uncertain about their future operations and potential liabilities.
Beyond administrative concerns, the Webinar highlighted the economic impact of these measures. Industry experts warned that freight rates could double, reducing the global competitiveness of key U.S. exports such as oil, gas, soy and grains. The proposed fees would drive up voyage costs, significantly affecting crude and chemical exports. These additional costs would likely be passed on to U.S. consumers and businesses, raising concerns about inflation and potential supply chain disruptions.
Another key concern raised during the discussion was the risk of port congestion and shifting trade patterns. To avoid rising costs, operators might reduce U.S. port calls, concentrating traffic at major ports while smaller ports face a decline in business. Such disruptions could mirror the shipping bottlenecks seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, further straining global supply chains. Additionally, as the cost of trading with the U.S. rises, companies may reroute trade to other regions, ultimately weakening U.S. trade.
To address these concerns, industry representatives are taking proactive steps. ICS and other major shipping organisations are preparing formal submissions to the USTR, outlining the economic, operational and logistical consequences of the proposed measures. The deadline for written comments is 24 March 2025 and several organisations – including ICS and WSC and others – have requested to testify at the public hearing to ensure that industry voices are heard. Additionally, there is also a growing effort to coordinate with other affected sectors, such as agriculture, retail, manufacturing and energy, to build a stronger case against the proposals.
We draw your attention to the links below for the full webinar.
Related Articles:
ICS 12/03 - Leadership Insights Webinar: U.S. Trade Representative Section 301: Proposed Remedies
BIMCO 11/03 - Recorded webinar: US Trade Representative Section 301: Proposed Remedies
Safety4Sea 13/03 - WSC CEO requests to testify on US Trade Representative Proposals
2. China Shipowners claim US proposed fees breach world trade laws
According to Reuters, the China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) expressed strong opposition to the U.S. proposal that would impose port entry fees on ocean cargo carriers owning or ordering vessels from China. The CSA argues that the proposal violates both international regulations and U.S. laws.
Members of the CSA, including China’s COSCO Shipping, are expected to be among the hardest hit by these fees, which are part of a U.S. trade representative investigation into China’s growing influence in global shipping. Additionally, in a formal statement submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the CSA condemned the proposal as discriminatory, claiming it breaches World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and past WTO dispute resolutions.
The CSA also argues that the USTR’s actions violate the 2003 Sino-U.S. Maritime Agreement, as well as U.S. laws and regulations. They contend that the proposed fees exceed the statutory authority of the USTR, infringe on the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission, and breach both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Export Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Global shipping leaders have expressed concerns that the proposal could cause chaos in supply chains, potentially costing U.S. consumers an additional $30 billion annually while also doubling the cost of shipping American exports.
The China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry in a separate comment has also stated that it opposed the proposal.
Related Articles:
Reuters 13/03 - China shipowners group says US port fee proposal breaks WTO rules, US law
Safety4Sea 14/03 - China Shipowners claim US proposed fees breach world trade laws
3. European Commission responds to unjustified US steel and aluminium tariffs with countermeasures
On 12 March 2025 and in response to the imposition of the new US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports, the Commission has launched swift and proportionate countermeasures on US imports into the EU. The Commission regrets the US decision to impose such tariffs, considering them unjustified, disruptive to transatlantic trade, and harmful to businesses and consumers, often resulting in higher prices.
In particular, the Commission's response is based on a two-step approach:
- First, the Commission will allow the suspension of existing 2018 and 2020 countermeasures against the US to lapse on 1 April. These countermeasures target a range of US products that respond to the economic harm done on €8 billion of EU steel and aluminium exports.
- Second, in response to new US tariffs affecting more than €18 billion of EU exports, the Commission is putting forward a package of new countermeasures on US exports. They will come into force by mid-April, following consultation of Member States and stakeholders.
In total, the EU countermeasures could therefore apply to US goods exports worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic scope of the US tariffs.
In the meantime, the EU remains ready to work with the US administration to find a negotiated solution. The abovementioned measures can be reversed at any time should such a solution be found.
For more details, please tab the links below.
Related Articles:
EC 12/03 - Commission responds to unjustified US steel and aluminium tariffs with countermeasures
US tariffs and EU countermeasures explained
List of products which could be subject to possible measures
4. Greek fleet faces risks over US port fee due to its Chinese reliance
In their weekly report, Greece-based Xclusiv Shipbrokers raised concerns on the reliance of the Greek-owned fleet on Chinese shipyards, a dependence that could have a major impact on shipping operations if the proposed US port fee is ultimately implemented.
According to a newly released plan by the United States Trade Representative, Chinese-built ships could be charged up to US$1.5M per visit to US ports. This proposal follows an investigation launched in April 2024, aimed at examining China’s growing influence in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.
According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers, 43% of the Greek-owned fleet was built in China, while 80% of its current dry bulk orderbook is tied to Chinese shipyards. In absolute numbers, Greek shipowners have a newbuilding programme for 168 bulk carriers, with 135 under construction in China.
A significant impact is also expected in the container vessel sector. Although Greek owners do not hold leading market shares in this segment, their reliance on Chinese yards remains substantial.
Shifting to the tanker sector, the trend continues, though to a slightly lesser extent. Xclusiv Shipbrokers data shows 26% of the Greek-owned active fleet was built in China. Moreover, 216 of the 288 tankers (75%) currently on order are being constructed in Chinese shipyards.
By contrast, the gas carrier sector is expected to feel the least impact if the US port fee is implemented. Only 4% of the existing Greek-owned fleet in this sector was built in China, while Chinese-built tonnage accounts for just 7% of the Greek LNG/LPG orderbook (seven out of 100 vessels).
Related Articles:
Rvieramm 14/03 - Greek-owned fleet faces significant exposure to Chinese shipyards
Safety4Sea 14/03 - Greek fleet faces risks over US port fee due to its Chinese reliance
5. EU envoys renew sanctions on Russian individuals, entities
On Friday, 14th March 2025,the European Union agreed to renew sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.
Hungary agreed to drop its veto and allow the renewal of the sanctions that the European Union has imposed on more than 2,400 individuals and entities, mainly from Russia, in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Among others, the blacklist targets hundreds of Russian companies in the military, banking, transport, energy, diamond, aviation, IT, telecoms and media sectors.
The list of the persons who are currently sanctioned by the EU can be found in Annex IV of COUNCIL DECISION 2014/512/CFSP.
Related Articles:
Reuters 14/03 - EU envoys renew sanctions on Russian individuals, entities
EuroNews 14/03 - Hungary drops veto and agrees to prolong EU sanctions on Russian individuals
Politico 14/03 - EU renews Russian sanctions after deal with Hungary
6. ITF launches website for female seafarers
On 7 March 2025 the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) launched a new website for women seafarers.
The Women at Sea website was created by ITF affiliates to promote the inclusion and promotion of women in the maritime industry. The website aims to help create a global network for women seafarers, but the webinar heard it was also important for everyone to be a member of one of the ITF-affiliated trade unions.
Speakers from across the industry, included female working seafarers, shared their insights during a panel discussion on how to foster a more inclusive maritime sector.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 10/03 - ITF launches website for female seafarers
MFame 11/02 - ITF Launches Women at Sea Website to Support Women Seafarers
7. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1:US Treasury Report for week 08/03/2025 – 14/03/2025
8. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2:Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 12/02/2025 – 12/03/2025
Nothing important to report from Local News, the IMO, the ILO and the House of Representatives.