(WASHINGTON) — On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to increase the overall cost of U.S. Great Lakes pilotage in 2025 by $2.64 million, or 7 percent, compared to 2024.
The new rates seek to generate revenue for each of the three U.S. Great Lakes pilot associations by implementing hourly charges for pilotage services according to geographic area. Pilotage rates are paid by vessel operators serving Great Lakes ports.
Although pilotage is a necessary service for safe navigation, Great Lakes ports have historically criticized the Coast Guard for being insensitive to high pilotage costs, which can negatively impact the competitiveness of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
In 2025, the Coast Guard is proposing a total workforce of 61 fully registered pilots and three apprentice pilots. The Coast Guard will be increasing individual pilot compensation from $440,658 to a new high of $461,611, a 4.75 percent increase.
The recent history of pilotage cost increases is detailed below.
(Year / Pilot numbers / Total estimated cost / Percentage over prior year)
2014 / 36 / $12,889,868
2015 / 36 / $15,451,455 / +20 percent over 2014
2016 / 37 / $19,103,678 / +24 percent over 2015
2017 / 45 / $22,326,381 / +14 percent over 2016
2018 / 49 / $25,156,442 / +12.7 percent over 2017
2019 / 51 / $27,988,185 / +11.3 percent over 2018
2020 / 52 / $28,268,030 / +1 percent over 2019
2021 / 55 / $30,332,652 / +4 percent over 2020
2022 / 60 / $32,486,995 / +7 percent over 2021
2023 / 62 / $37,659,194 / +16 percent over 2022
2024 / 64 / $40,280,666 / + 7 percent over 2023
2025 / 64 / $42,920,634 / +7 percent over 2024 (proposed)
To view a copy of the Federal Register notice, click here. The Coast Guard is accepting public comments until Sept. 4. The American Great Lakes Ports Association will be submitting joint comments with other industry stakeholders as it has in the past.
– American Great Lakes Ports Association
