BIMCO is developing a new clause to address the “Special Port Fees” that will be imposed on US-related ships arriving at Chinese ports starting October 14, 2025. This announcement follows the Chinese Ministry of Transport’s declaration on October 10, which specifies that these fees will apply to vessels that are US-built, flagged, or owned by US entities, with some exceptions.
David Loosley, BIMCO’s Secretary General and CEO, emphasized the need for clarity amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. He noted that the organization previously created a clause in response to the US Trade Representative’s fees on Chinese-related ships earlier this year.
In July 2025, BIMCO’s Documentary Committee adopted a standard clause to address the USTR’s fees affecting Chinese vessels entering US ports. To expedite the development of the new clause for the Chinese fees, a subcommittee of legal and commercial experts has been established, and the drafting process has been prioritized by the BIMCO Documentary Committee.
