China Enforces New Port Fees on US Vessels, Matson Line First to Pay Millions

14 October 2025-A new era in Sino-American maritime relations commenced today as reciprocal, high-cost port fee policies between the two nations took effect. The policy was immediately activated with the arrival of two US-operated container ships at major Chinese ports, incurring substantial charges.

Two vessels operated by the American shipping firm Matson Line-the 'MANUKAI' and the 'MATSON WAIKIKI'-called at the ports of Ningbo and Shanghai respectively, resulting in the formal disclosure of port fee invoices totalling 16.54 million RMB.

According to reports, the 'MANUKAI', with a capacity of 2,600 TEUs, arrived at Ningbo Port on the morning of 13 October 2025. It berthed smoothly on the morning of the 14th and departed on the morning of the 15th. Its arrival coincided precisely with the implementation of the new regulations. As the vessel's flag, ownership, and operator all fall under US jurisdiction, it met the criteria for the special fee as outlined by China's Ministry of Transport.

The 'MANUKAI', a flagship container vessel for Matson Line with a net tonnage of 11,149 tonnes, is reported by multiple industry sources to be the first vessel charged under the new policy during its Ningbo berthing. The fee amounted to RMB 4,458,400 (approximately US$627,900).

Shortly thereafter, a second Matson vessel, the larger 'MATSON WAIKIKI', received a port fee invoice at Shanghai Port exceeding RMB 10 million. Caixin News reported that at 18:00 on 14 October, the 4,884 TEU capacity 'MATSON WAIKIKI' berthed at Shanghai Port. Based on the fee standards published by China's Ministry of Transport, its 30,224 net tonnes incurred a special port fee of RMB 12.09 million, making it the first US-related vessel to pay the fee at that port.

The Ministry of Transport formally issued the 'Implementation Measures for Levying Special Port Fees on US-Related Vessels' on the morning of 14 October, detailing the enforcement rules. This signifies that China's countermeasures against US Section 301 tariffs officially commenced on that date.

Although the same-day measures stipulated an exemption for vessels constructed by Chinese shipyards, investigations confirm that neither Matson vessel qualifies. The 'MANUKAI' was built by Aker Philadelphia and the 'MATSON WAIKIKI' by Daewoo-Mangalia. Consequently, Matson Navigation is liable for the full special port fees levied, totalling RMB 16.54 million, which must be paid in full according to regulations.

In a related development, on 11 October-three days prior to the new fees taking effect-Matson Navigation issued a customer advisory stating it currently has no plans to adjust existing China-US express service schedules. The company affirmed it would continue its services and would not impose any new surcharges on customers in relation to these fees.

Concurrently, maritime authorities at major ports nationwide have begun synchronized implementation of declaration and verification procedures for the 'Special Port Fee for Vessels'. According to a port summary compiled by the China Foreign Trade Agency (as of 14 October), all regions require shipowners or agents to submit a 'Vessel Information Report Concerning the United States' seven days in advance for arriving international vessels.

Certain ports additionally require the simultaneous submission of documents including the ship's certificate of registry, proof of ownership, Safety Management Certificate (SMC), Document of Compliance (DOC), classification certificate, and Continuous Summary Record (CSR). Ports including Nanjing, Lianyungang, and Yantai have further clarified that vessels meeting the levy criteria must complete payment before port entry approval is granted. Vessels without approval may not enter territorial waters, except in cases of emergency refuge.