The White House released its Maritime Action Plan (MAP) on February 13, which outlines a bold strategy to enhance US shipbuilding and lessen reliance on ships built or flagged in other countries.

This plan includes several proposals that could have a significant impact on the operating costs, cargo distribution, port routes, and long-term market access for international shipping lines.

Here’s a summary of the key measures that could affect global shipping companies:

A universal fee on foreign-built vessels

The MAP proposes a “universal infrastructure or security fee” for all foreign-built commercial vessels docking at US ports. The fee would be based on the weight of imported cargo.

According to illustrative figures in the document:

• $0.01 per kg could generate $66 billion over 10 years
• $0.25 per kg could generate $1.5 trillion over 10 years

No specific fee has been set yet. Since most of the global container fleet is foreign-built, this would effectively serve as:

1. an additional charge for most international shipping companies
2. a potential extra cost passed on to shippers
3. a possible imbalance favoring US-built ships over global operators

Even a fee as low as $0.01/kg could lead to significant costs for high-volume services between Asia and the US.

Tighter cargo preference rules

The MAP suggests:

1. increasing the amount of US government cargo that must be transported on US-flagged vessels
2. establishing a new United States Maritime Preference Requirement (USMPR) to ensure that high-volume exporting countries use qualifying US vessels for more US-bound container cargo

If enacted, this could:

1. redirect some cargo away from global shipping networks
2. support US-flagged operators with subsidies
3. create quota-like situations on certain trade routes

For carriers heavily reliant on US government exports, this may limit their shipment volumes.

Land port maintenance tax

To prevent cargo from being rerouted through Canada or Mexico, the MAP proposes a tax of 0.125% on goods entering through land ports, similar to the existing Harbor Maintenance Fee. This aims to deter shippers from avoiding marine-related fees by using routes through:

• Vancouver–rail
• Lazaro Cardenas–truck/rail
• Canadian east coast intermodal

If land and sea routes face similar charges, there will be less flexibility in shipping options. This also reduces profit opportunities for carriers competing with cross-border connections.

Strategic Commercial Fleet (SCF)

The plan suggests the creation of a Strategic Commercial Fleet (SCF) comprising US-built and flagged vessels engaged in international trade, with financial backing for construction and operational costs. This essentially acts as a subsidy for US carriers, aimed at enhancing existing Maritime Security Program fleets. Although details are not yet defined, this could lead to state-supported competition in certain markets.

Potential trade measures related to China

The MAP mentions ongoing actions linked to the Section 301 investigation into China's control over maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding fields. While these measures are currently on hold, they include:

• fees for foreign-built vehicle carriers
• restrictions on specific maritime transport services

The MAP indicates a continued readiness to enforce trade measures in shipping.

Arctic and autonomous priorities

The plan emphasizes:

• development of Arctic routes
• expansion of ice-breaking capabilities
• advancements in robotic and autonomous maritime technologies

While this might not be immediately relevant for shipping companies, it suggests a long-term strategy to reshape parts of the fleet and routing networks.

Timing

It's important to note that none of these new fees are currently in place; legislative action will be required to implement them, and no specific dates have been provided. The administration plans to propose a legislative package after the FY2027 budget process, indicating a medium- to long-term timeline for implementation rather than immediate changes.

International carriers operating in the US should keep an eye on:

• developments regarding the Maritime Security Trust Fund
• details on the proposed fee for foreign-built vessels
• changes in cargo preference rules
• any revival of Section 301 maritime measures