Maritime

BIMCO Develops Standard Clause to Address China’s New Port Fees

BIMCO is preparing a standard clause in response to China’s new “Special Port Fees” applicable to vessels with U.S. links, aiming to reduce contractual risk for the shipping industry.

Image courtesy of Bimco

22, October 2025
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The maritime industry association BIMCO has announced it will draft a standard clause to tackle the “Special Port Fees” introduced by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China (MOT) on 14 October 2025, levied on vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, or U.S.-owned/operated. BIMCO’s move is intended to reduce contractual uncertainty for shipowners and charterers navigating evolving geopolitical trade restrictions.

BIMCO’s Secretary General & CEO, David Loosley, said the industry is “navigating escalating geopolitical uncertainty and trade restrictions,” and that the association is drawing on its previous experience in drafting a clause to address U.S. fees imposed on Chinese-related vessels earlier in 2025.

A BIMCO sub-committee of legal and commercial experts has been tasked with drafting the new clause on an expedited basis, with the Documentary Committee prioritising the work to respond quickly to industry demand. BIMCO Deputy Secretary General & Director of Contracts Stinne Taiger Ivø noted that the “expedited procedure” will allow for faster adoption of the clause to assist time charter parties and other charter agreements.

Tags: BIMCO, charter parties, China port fees, geopolitical risk, maritime fees, maritime law, shipping contract clause, shipping industry, shipping regulatory risk, U.S. built vessels

Editorial Note:
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools to enhance clarity and efficiency.
All information has been reviewed and verified by the HMT News editor.

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