Dry bulk operator Ultrabulk is actively working to steer clear of upcoming US and Chinese port fees by restructuring the vessels it deploys on trades to the United States, according to ShippingWatch.
The Copenhagen-based operator, which is owned by Chilean shipping group Ultranav, is reportedly in the process of removing Chinese-built vessels from its US-facing trades before a deadline set for early November, ShippingWatch reports.
Why the Deadline Matters
ShippingWatch’s report ties the move directly to fees that are expected to apply to certain vessels calling at US and Chinese ports. While the source material does not detail the specific fee structure or the regulatory mechanism behind it, it makes clear that Ultrabulk views the origin of a ship’s construction as a factor that could trigger additional costs once the deadline passes.
Hans-Christian Olesen, CEO of Ultrabulk, is named in connection with the report, though ShippingWatch’s available excerpt does not include a direct quote from him regarding the strategy. The publication notes that Ultrabulk operates from Greater Copenhagen under the ownership of Ultranav.
Limited Detail Available
Much of ShippingWatch’s reporting on this story sits behind a subscriber paywall, and the publicly available excerpt does not specify how many vessels are affected, the exact routes involved, or the financial scale of the fees Ultrabulk is trying to avoid. It also does not clarify whether the company plans to redeploy the Chinese-built ships elsewhere or divest them entirely.
Does This Matter to You?
For those tracking dry bulk trade flows into the United States, this development signals that shipowners are already adjusting fleet deployment strategies ahead of fee regimes tied to vessel origin. Charterers and cargo interests relying on bulk carriers for US-bound trade may want to monitor how widespread this kind of repositioning becomes across the sector, as similar moves by other operators could affect vessel availability on certain routes as the November deadline approaches.
The broader implications for port fee policy in the US and China, and how other operators might respond, are not detailed in the available source material. Readers seeking the full scope of Ultrabulk’s fleet changes and the underlying fee structure would need to consult ShippingWatch’s complete report.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
