China has revised its international maritime transport regulations to allow countermeasures against countries imposing restrictions on Chinese shipping. The move comes ahead of a new US port fee policy targeting Chinese vessels, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.

The decree, signed by Premier Li Qiang states that China will respond to discriminatory bans or restrictions unless treaties provide "adequate and effective remedies."

The US Trade Representative's port fee plan, set to begin on October 14, will charge Chinese vessel owners US$50 per net ton, rising to US$140 by 2028. A 50,000 net ton containership could face fees of $2.5 million per voyage, increasing to $7 million.

HSBC estimates COSCO may pay $1.5 billion annually in fees, equal to 74 per cent of its projected 2026 operating profit. Orient Overseas Container Line could face $654 million in fees, or 65 per cent of its forecasted earnings.

The new rules also require international shipping platform operators to submit data to Chinese transport authorities.

Chinese carriers are exploring mitigation strategies, including partnerships with non-Chinese Ocean Alliance members such as CMA CGM and Evergreen, and rerouting services via Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Some firms may delay scrapping older non-China built vessels. Leasing subsidiaries of major Chinese banks are discussing converting shipping leases into mortgages with the National Financial Regulatory Administration.

COSCO has pledged to maintain "stable and reliable services" in the US, acknowledging operational challenges but expressing confidence in its ability to adapt.