The transatlantic container trade could be the most severely impacted if the U.S. goes ahead with the proposed imposition of fees on Chinese-built ships, MSC CEO Soren Toft said this week.
The impact of the plan, possibly amounting to $1 million per call at each U.S. port by each ship built in China, irrespective of the nationality of the operator, would be “significant,” said Toft.
“Take the Asia-U.S. east coast services – most of the vessels that operate this route are in the 8,000-TEU to 15,000-TEU range and typically call at four U.S. ports. In that instance, the cost is an extra $4 million per service, equating to around $800 per 40ft.
“The rates on that route are currently around $3,500 per 40ft, so you are looking at a 25% increase.”
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.
