USTR Port Fees Minimize Impact on Chinese-built Dry Bulk Carriers 

On April 17, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) presented an updated proposal for port fees on Chinese-built vessels, initially announced in February. The proposal was an extensive report covering many areas, but certain details created some confusion. There was an increased focus on Chinese owners and operators, but uncertainty remains around how …

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Bulker S&P Activity Falls Sharply in Q1 2025 

Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with a decrease of c.58% and just 77 reported this year to date, compared to 182 for the same period last year. Since the US proposed fees to Chinese-built vessels entering US ports in February, sale and purchase levels …

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Potential US Port Fees May Disrupt Dry Bulk Trade and Vessel Availability

Recent discussions on tariffs have largely overlooked the potential implementation of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)’s port fees on Chinese-built vessels. The current US administration is considering an additional port fee for Chinese-built vessels entering US ports to curb China’s dominance in shipbuilding. This fee, which could reach up to $3.5 …

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Top 10 Singapore Flagged Vessel Owners, Operators, and Beneficial Owners

Using VesselsValue data, we shine a spotlight on the Singaporean fleet including live, launched, and on order vessels and dive into the top 10 owners of Singaporean flagged vessels, the top 10 Singapore-based operators, and the top 10 Singaporean beneficial owners. Moller Maersk currently leads the Singapore flagged fleet with 119 vessels in their books, …

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Shipping Market Outlook: Q2 2025 Forecast

Overview Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resulting rerouting have disrupted shipping markets to varying degrees. A sudden end to rerouting poses considerable downside risks for the shipping industry, while a prolonged extension could offer substantial upside potential. Sanctions contribute to this uncertain environment, where any major escalation or de-escalation could significantly affect …

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South Korea’s Orderbook Tops $138 Billion with LNG Sweeping 52%

Using VesselsValue data, we break down the South Korean orderbook by number of vessels and market value, highlighting the top five owners within the orderbook, the percentage of the fleet being ordered with dual-fuel capabilities, and the top 10 owners based in South Korea.   Within the South Korean orderbook, the LNG sector is the most …

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The GCC’s Top Shipowning & Newbuilding Trends

Using VesselsValue data, we take a look at the fleet owned by nations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), shining a spotlight on the top 10 newbuilding buyers in 2024, the most popular vessel types ordered, and the most prominent owners in the region.   Of the top owners within the GCC, taking into account both …

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Chinese Orderbook Tops $123 Bn with Containers Making Up c.38%

To mark the start of the Lunar new year this week, we take a look at the Chinese newbuilding orderbook, using VesselsValue data. The infographic highlights the Chinese orderbook by top Chinese ordering companies and insight into the ships currently being built at Chinese yards. Of the top Chinese companies ordering vessels last year, China …

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Top 10 Shipowning Nations by Total Asset Value for 2025

Since publishing our Top 10 Shipowning Nations in 2024, we’ve updated the latest rankings across the globe, showcasing total asset values of fleets—both live and on order—by beneficial owner country. From China overtaking Japan to achieve pole position with an impressive fleet valued at USD 255 bn to Switzerland’s notable entry at USD 68 bn, …

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