The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered an immediate review of reduced inspection privileges for vessels operated by the Chinese state-owned shipping giant COSCO, days after Germany blocked the company’s acquisition of a Hamburg logistics firm over security concerns.
“In response to concerns regarding China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (COSCO) vessels in the Coast Guard’s Quality Shipping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21) safety program, on October 15, 2026, the Commandant directed an immediate review of these vessels’ participation,” a Coast Guard spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email.
The program allows foreign commercial vessels with strong safety and regulatory compliance records to undergo fewer routine inspections at U.S. ports….