A US port fee aimed at ships connected to China has caused some vessel buyers to be cautious. However, large shipping companies, including Mediterranean Shipping Co., are continuing to order vessels manufactured in China.
These companies are proceeding with their orders, indicating that the benefits of sourcing ships from China outweigh the potential impact of the port fee. This suggests that China remains a significant player in the shipbuilding industry, and major shipping firms are willing to navigate the challenges posed by the US port fee to maintain their relationships with Chinese shipyards. As a result, the flow of new vessels from China to global shipping fleets is expected to persist, despite the US measure.