Shipping Industry Joins with China Calling for U.S. to Reconsider Port Fees
While recognizing the Trump administration softened the financial impact of its port fees on Chinese-built shipping for many carriers, the shipping industry was quick to respond raising serious concerns after the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office released the structure of the fees. Like the Chinese, the shipping industry asserts that the fees will do little to support the resurgence of U.S. shipbuilding while instead penalizing the U.S. economy and consumers.
The USTR outlined sweeping fees with the costliest targeted at Chinese carriers and while reducing the dollar amounts would also charge all carriers as Chinese-built ships arrive or offload containers. The surprise came with a fee on each vehicle landed from all foreign-built ships, which the World Shipping Council points out encompasses nearly every vehicle carrier in the world. The shipping industry lobbying group calls the fee on car carriers an “arbitrary action” that will slow U.S. economic growth and raise auto prices while doing little to encourage U.S. maritime investment.
“We urge the U.S. to respect facts and multilateral rules and immediately stop its wrong practices,” said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said China believes the fees will “disrupt the stability of the global supply chain, and increase inflationary pressure in the U.S., but “ultimately fail to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry.” China highlights the decline of the U.S. shipbuilding industry began in the 1970s.
Trump administration officials were quick to defend the president’s policy and tout the benefits. In an op-ed in the Washington Examiner, Transportation Secretary Sean Duff writes, “The inauguration of a new Trump-era in maritime dominance is a fundamental feature of the golden age of transportation.”
The World Shipping Council while saving it supports the efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding sector, says “the fee regime announced by USTR is a step in the wrong direction as it will raise prices for consumers, weaken U.S. trade, and do little to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry.”
Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, points to serious problems with the structure saying the “backward-looking penalties” would disrupt investment, and risk harming American exporters. Basing the fees on net tonnage, the WSC contends “disproportionately penalizes larger, more efficient vessels that deliver essential goods, including components used in U.S. production lines.”
The WSC also flags “significant legal concerns,” noting that the proposed fees appear to extend beyond the authority granted under U.S. trade law.
“The WSC is urging the administration to reconsider this counterproductive measure, which risks harming U.S. consumers, manufacturers, and farmers without delivering meaningful progress toward revitalizing the U.S. maritime industry,” the group writes in its statement. It instead calls for steps such as targeted investment incentives, infrastructure improvements, and streamlined regulatory processes to strengthen the U.S. maritime sector.
China has launched a public relations effort against the U.S. tariffs and highlights that it is taking the lead in lobbying other countries to resist Trump’s tariffs. Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned of unilateral bullying and protectionism in a speech delivered on Thursday hours before the port tariff regime was unveiled. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam and Cambodia urging opposing unilateral bullying.
Next week, China is planning Reuters reports informal discussions at the UN Security Council. Reuters says China will accuse the U.S. of bullying.
Port Everglades Welcomes First Cargo Ship Powered by LNG to Call Port
[By: Port Everglades]
Broward County's Port Everglades this week welcomed its first cargo ship fueled by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), an environmentally friendly alternative fuel. The Crowley ship, Quetzal, is one of four new-build vessels using cleaner fuel that the Florida-based global company plans for trade among the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean Basin.
Several cruise ships fueled with LNG, including Princess Cruises' Sun Princess and Silversea's Silver Nova and Silver Ray, already visit Port Everglades, however, this is the first LNG-powered cargo ship to call.
Broward County Commissioners Lamar P. Fisher and Robert McKinzie joined port staff during a dockside plaque presentation to recognize Crowley's commitment to decarbonization and their trade partnership. This was also Queztal's first U.S. port call as part of its route between Central America and the U.S.
The Quetzal, like the other three forthcoming Avance Class container ships, has a capacity for 1,400 TEUs (20-foot container equivalent units) and 300 refrigerated unit plugs for transporting perishable cargo.
"Over the last year, our port has welcomed several cruise ships that use LNG, and we applaud Crowley's efforts to reduce its impact when transporting perishables through Florida's No. 1 port for perishable goods," said CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. "It's clear that our maritime future relies on innovation and continuous evolution."
Ships using LNG, instead of diesel, can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions such as sulfur oxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide while eliminating particulate matter. According to Crowley, the new class of vessels also have high-pressure ME-GI engines and reduce methane slippage to negligible levels.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Diplomatic Dispute Between Algeria and France Delays CMA CGM Port Deal
The diplomatic dispute brewing between Algeria and France has impacted a potential investment by the CMA CGM in the Algerian port sector. The French ship[ping company was reported to be negotiating a concession for the port of Oran through its subsidiary CMA Terminals, but the deal has been on hold as tensions rise between the two countries.
Early this week, the CEO of CMA CGM Rodolphe Saadé was scheduled to visit Algeria for a business trip. However, the visit was reportedly postponed as relations between Algeria and France further deteriorated this week. According to local media reports, Rodolphe Saadé was to be received by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to finalize a port investment deal, which has been under negotiations for nearly a year.
The diplomatic incident emerged as Algeria protested after one of its consular staff was arrested in France. The indictment of the official was over suspicion of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian government critic in Paris in April 2024. This has seen the two countries expel diplomats from both sides in a tit-for-tat move.
The diplomatic dispute also appears to have taken an economic dimension. The Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA), the country’s largest business organization, canceled its planned visit to France next month, where it was to hold a meeting with the French employers’ association (MEDEF). CREA accused French authorities of blocking investments in Algeria.
“The cancellation of the trip follows measures taken by French authorities, who strongly pressured a French maritime transport company to abandon its trip to Algeria to finalize an investment project,” said CREA. With the ongoing tension between Algeria and France, and Saadé’s visit on hold, the negotiations for the port concession are expected to be delayed.
CMA CGM is already present in nine Algerian ports including Algiers, Annaba, Béjaïa, Skikda, and Ghazaouet. The interest in Oran is because of the port’s strategic location in the Western Mediterranean and its proximity to Europe. CMA CGM is believed to be considering a feeder shipping line between Marseille and Oran, to be operated by its subsidiary, La Méridionale.
Top photo by Habib Kaki -- CC BY 3.0
Global Ports Holding Unveils Multi-Million-Dollar International Investment
[By: Global Ports Holding]
Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, revealed significant updates to its global investment strategy at an exclusive press conference during Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week. The event, held on April 8, 2025, marked the unveiling of a multi-million-dollar investment programme designed to future-proof the company’s cruise port network.
Titled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Ports,” the conference included an insightful presentation followed by a reception, where GPH executives, partners, and attendees gathered to discuss key developments in the company’s expansion. The highlight of the session was a spotlight on one of GPH’s newest and most ambitious projects in Saint Lucia, a transformative development aimed at enhancing the island’s cruise tourism infrastructure, with a special appearance by Saint Lucian Olympic Champion and Tourism Ambassador, Julien Alfred.
A Multi-Million-Dollar Commitment to Future-Ready Ports
During the press conference, GPH presented its robust investment strategy, which is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global cruise industry. As the cruise industry grows in fleet size and passenger volumes, GPH’s investment focuses on creating innovative, sustainable, and operationally efficient port facilities and strengthening its partnerships with destinations.
“We are at a critical juncture in the cruise industry’s development, and GPH is proud to lead the charge in building future-ready ports that will support the next generation of cruise tourism,” said Mehmet Kutman, CEO of Global Ports Holding. “Our significant investment programme is not just about improving port infrastructure; it’s about creating lasting value for the communities we serve, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that our ports are equipped to handle the demands of today’s growing cruise market.”
He added, "We believe that the strength of our community partnerships is the cornerstone of our global success. By fostering collaboration and empowering local stakeholders, we create sustainable growth and shared prosperity that resonates far beyond our ports.”
Investment Highlights At Ports Worldwide
Key investment highlights include:
- Tarragona Cruise Port (Spain): GPH’s newly inaugurated sustainable terminal at Moll de Balears, a 2,200m² facility designed with energy efficiency and self-sufficiency in mind.
- Alicante Cruise Port (Spain): A highly anticipated terminal modernization project, scheduled for completion by April 2025, focused on improving passenger flow and port experience.
- Las Palmas Cruise Port (Canary Islands): Completion of a sustainable terminal, set to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships and serve over 1.6 million passengers annually, with completion expected by September 2025.
- Antigua Cruise Port (Caribbean): A substantial upland development project, which will include a state-of-the-art cruise terminal and expansion for new retail stores, launched in February 2025.
- Nassau Cruise Port (The Bahamas): An exciting pool project and yacht marina expansion plan, which is set for completion by March 2026.
- San Juan Cruise Port (Puerto Rico): A significant infrastructure enhancement programme, which began in September 2024, with an additional funding provided for Pier 3 upgrades.
Spotlight on Saint Lucia
One of the most exciting developments shared during the event was the multi-million-dollar upcoming investments in Saint Lucia’s cruise port infrastructure. This project, which is currently underway and set for completion in October 2026, will enhance Port Castries and Pointe Seraphine with significant berth enhancements, a new boardwalk, and the creation of a Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay. Additionally, Saint Lucia Cruise Port will construct a new tender dock and upland facilities at Soufriere.
“This project underscores our commitment to supporting long-term tourism growth and strengthening our partnerships with local communities,” said Lancelot Arnold, Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean & General Manager, Saint Lucia Cruise Port. “Saint Lucia represents the future of cruise tourism, and we are proud to be part of its evolution.”
A Moment of National Pride
In a special moment of national pride, Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s Olympic 100m champion, graced the event as a special guest. Her achievements are a testament to the excellence and spirit of Saint Lucia, values that GPH celebrates through its investment and community partnerships. Saint Lucia Cruise Port recently donated $10,000 to support the launch of Ms. Alfred’s upcoming charitable foundation, aimed at providing financial support for athletics programs and other empowering opportunities for Saint Lucia’s youth.
Strengthening Local Partnerships
During the event, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information, shared his vision for the future of cruise tourism in Saint Lucia while emphasizing the importance of private-public collaboration in ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
“GPH’s investment is an example of how strategic partnerships can drive economic growth and benefit local communities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure that Saint Lucia remains a top cruise destination,” said Dr. Hilaire.
A Focus on Sustainable Financial Growth
Jan Fomferra, Chief Financial Officer of Global Ports Holding, also shared insights on the financial and sustainability aspects of GPH's investments: “At Global Ports Holding, we view sustainability as a fundamental pillar of our investment strategy. Our financial approach is focused on ensuring that every project not only generates long-term value for stakeholders but also promotes environmental responsibility and social impact. This multi-million-dollar global investment programme is designed to balance robust financial performance with our commitment to sustainability—delivering projects that enhance both the cruise experience and the communities we serve.”
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
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