Samsung Heavy Industries secured its first container ship order of 2025, landing a 561.9 billion won ($400 million) contract from an Asian shipowner amid a shifting maritime landscape shaped by US port fees targeting Chinese vessels.
The Trump administration recently announced fees on Chinese-built ships docking at US ports, with charges starting at $50 per net ton in October 2025 and increasing annually over the following three years. This policy has already begun affecting shipping patterns, with Chinese vessel traffic to major US ports dropping significantly as companies seek alternatives.
The order, likely from Taiwan’s Wan Hai Lines, calls for two container ships to be delivered by January 2028. Samsung Heavy has now secured 18 vessels worth $2.6 billion this year, representing 27% of its annual $9.8 billion target.
The Korean shipbuilder aims to balance its portfolio between vessels and offshore facilities, with a company representative noting their strategy focuses on “selective orders prioritizing profitability” while targeting contracts for approximately two floating LNG production units annually.
South Korean shipbuilders stand to benefit as shipping companies diversify away from Chinese-built vessels to avoid the upcoming US fees. The US Trade Representative implemented these measures to counter China’s maritime dominance and revitalize domestic shipbuilding, though critics warn the fees will increase shipping costs and potentially reduce US exports.
