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.
