U.S. Trade Representative revises fees for non-U.S.-built LNG tankers, car carriers

The U.S. Trade Representative revised fees for non-U.S.-built LNG tankers and car carriers to support domestic shipbuilding and counter China’s maritime influence.

The updated proposal, released Friday, removes penalties for LNG exporters not using U.S.-owned ships and eliminates language allowing suspension of LNG export licenses. For car carriers, known as roll-on/roll-off vessels or RoRos, USTR lowered the port fee from $150 per car capacity to $14 per net ton, effective October 14.

Typical RoRos carry nearly 5,000 vehicles. The revision exempts RoRos in the U.S. Maritime Security Program and those carrying U.S. government cargo, aligning with exemptions for vessels serving the Great Lakes, Caribbean, and U.S. territories.

Companies in the program include American Roll-On, Roll-Off Carrier Group, part of Norway’s Wallenius Wilhelmsen Group. USTR previously exempted ships carrying U.S. exports and smaller vessels from fees targeting China-linked ships.

In April, USTR proposed LNG producers transport 1% of exports on U.S.-built ships starting April 2029, rising to 15% by April 2047, surprising the LNG industry. The vehicle carrier industry also faced unexpected port fees on non-U.S.-built ships, including U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed vessels.

Rob Jennings of the American Petroleum Institute said the changes support U.S. LNG competitiveness globally. Interested parties can submit feedback on the revisions until July 7.