USCG proposes 2027 Great Lakes pilotage rates, adds Mackinac Straits

The Coast Guard proposes a full ratemaking for 2027 Great Lakes pilotage, including a methodology update and a new rate for the Straits of Mackinac, newly subject to pilotage under the FY2026 NDAA. The rule would raise operating costs by ~10%, affecting shipping costs on the Great Lakes. The change is regulatory and incremental, with no immediate market shock.