COSCO Shipping Advances Digital Innovation and Fleet Expansion Amid Trade Tensions
COSCO Shipping launched its digital ship supply platform and embarked on a US$1.75 billion newbuilding program across 29 vessels in November 2025, reflecting both strategic positioning in response to US-China trade tensions as well as efforts to enhance operational efficiencies within international shipping markets.
Digital Ship Supply Platform Is Launched
COSCO SHIPPING unveiled their International Shipping Digital Ship Supply Service Platform at the Dishui Lake International Shipping Innovation Conference in Shanghai on November 20, 2025. Conceived jointly between COSCO SHIPPING Technology and Lin-gang Special Area Administrative Committee, this public service infrastructure aims to eliminate data silos across ship supply industry chains.
The platform takes advantage of cutting-edge technologies like Vessel Value Visualization data products and intelligent scheduling algorithms to link potential oil-receiving vessels 72 hours in advance. Additionally, real-time monitoring of port congestion, operating schedules, global dynamic oil prices and intelligent fueling recommendations enable real-time tracking of port congestion, port operating schedules and oil price movements; intelligent fueling recommendations help vessels and shipping enterprises save fuel while optimizing bunkering vessel dispatching capabilities and resource allocation capabilities.
Since its debut, this platform has attracted 16 leading enterprises such as CHIMBUSCO and Fuyuan Fuel. As of its announcement date, 58 fueling operations totaling 93,000 tons had already taken place on it. This digital ecosystem aims to standardize and advance high-end ship supply markets while strengthening Shanghai's international maritime credentials.
Expanded Fleet Expansion Program
COSCO has unveiled an aggressive newbuilding program totalling US$1.75 billion that will see 29 vessels constructed across Chinese shipyards to strengthen their market position amid escalated US-China trade tensions. As evidenced by their commitment to expanding capacity in response to changing global trade dynamics.
COSCO's fleet expansion initiative equips it to maintain service stability and take advantage of opportunities created by trade policy uncertainties affecting global shipping patterns. COSCO is also well positioned as China's maritime champion navigating complex international trade relationships through this program of newbuilding construction.
Position and Regulatory Challenges in the Market
COSCO Shipping Group dominates global container shipping capacity with 20.9 percent as of November 2025, yet continues to experience regulatory headwinds such as potential US port call fees incurred due to China-built vessels not deployed (with an estimated exposure estimated at US$1.02 billion). Regardless, COSCO and other Chinese container lines have expressed their commitment to providing stable services within US markets.