Mitsui O.S.K. Lines will bypass Chinese shipyards for future liquefied natural gas carrier orders, choosing South Korean builders instead as the Trump administration ramps up fees on China-made vessels entering U.S. ports.
The Japanese operator, which manages approximately 70 LNG carriers globally, faces mounting pressure from Washington’s escalating trade measures. Starting in October, Chinese-built vessels will face fees of $18 per net ton, climbing to $33 per net ton by 2028. For LNG carriers specifically, new restrictions require moving 1% of U.S. LNG exports on American-built vessels within four years, rising to 15% by 2047.
The shift illustrates how Trump’s broader trade war is reshaping global shipping patterns. China now controls over 50% of worldwide shipbuilding compared to fewer than 10 vessels annually from U.S. yards, making alternative suppliers crucial for companies serving American markets.
The fees were scaled back from an original proposal of up to $1.5 million per port call after fierce industry opposition. Still, the measures add another layer of complexity for shipping giants already navigating supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs.
MOL’s pivot to South Korean yards reflects the practical reality that few alternatives exist to China’s massive shipbuilding capacity, potentially driving up vessel costs and delivery times across the industry.
