Norwegian shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has suspended its financial outlook for 2025, citing a proposed modification of port fee regulations by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The proposal, which was released on October 10, would see fees for most Ro-Ro carriers increase from $14 per net ton to $46 per net ton. The new fees are scheduled to become payable from October 14.
The company stated that because the proposed fees are substantially above its expectations, it finds it prudent to suspend its financial outlook until further notice.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen remarked that it is now working to evaluate the impact of the substantial fee increase on itself, its customers, and its trading patterns. It also noted that it sees the risk of higher costs in the near term.
The company clarified that third quarter results for 2025 are not impacted by the proposed fees, but the fourth quarter may be affected.
