Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2027 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology
Key claim: The Coast Guard is proposing 2027 Great Lakes pilotage rates, including a first-time rate for the Straits of Mackinac, that would raise vessel operating costs about 10% compared with 2026.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard) In accordance with the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, the Coast Guard is proposing pilotage rates for the 2027 shipping season. We are conducting a full ratemaking for 2027. We are requesting comments on the Great Lakes pilotage ratemaking methodology, including one proposed update to that methodology. We also propose the pilotage rate for the Straits of Mackinac, newly designated for pilotage requirements by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The Coast Guard estimates that this proposed rule would increase operating costs by approximately 10 percent compared to the 2026 season.
Why this matters
Great Lakes pilotage rates set the compulsory per-vessel cost for foreign and non-coastwise ships moving through U.S. Great Lakes waters, so annual Coast Guard ratemaking directly shapes shipping costs for grain, iron ore, and other bulk cargo. The first-time Straits of Mackinac rate extends compulsory pilotage pricing to a navigationally sensitive chokepoint, and the ~10% increase compounds prior-year adjustments to pilot compensation and traffic assumptions.