Currently, 157 ships operate in US trades and do not have vessels built in China in their core fleet
Copenhagen – The members of the Gemini Cooperation, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, are among the best positioned in the special ranking of those who will have to pay a very high price for the new US tariffs. Currently, 157 ships operate in US trades and do not have vessels built in China in their core fleet. According to Alphaliner, Maersk should pay ‘only’ 17.5 million dollars, while Hapag-Lloyd will have to face about 105 million dollars in charges in 2026, mainly due to the Chinese-owned units present in the fleet. Both companies plan to gradually replace the ships currently used in trades to the United States. MSC, the world’s leading carrier, currently operates 141 ships in trades with the US, of which 15 are subject to Section 301 tariffs. With a total fleet of 609 owned ships and 291 on charter, the group has ample possibilities to replace the Chinese units.
