Major container carriers, including Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming, are restructuring their trans-Pacific services ahead of U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese-built and operated vessels set to take effect on Oct. 14. The alliance is splitting its Mediterranean Pacific South 2 (MS2) service, rebranding routes to keep 10 Chinese-built ships off U.S. calls, a move expected to save ONE an estimated $185 million in the first year. The tariffs, starting at $50 per net ton and rising to $140 by 2028, could otherwise cost carriers up to $500 million annually. While less efficient for global networks, the service changes highlight how lines are preemptively adapting to avoid massive levies.
