BIMCO is developing a new clause to address “Special Port Fees” for US-related ships arriving at Chinese ports, effective October 14, 2025. This follows the Chinese Ministry of Transport’s announcement on October 10. BIMCO aims to provide clarity amid geopolitical tensions and has prioritized drafting this new clause.
Amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, commodity vessels are facing unprecedented wait times at Chinese ports, averaging 2.66 days. Bottlenecks threaten global supply chains for essential cargoes. Recent U.S. sanctions and significant fees imposed on American-linked vessels exacerbate the situation, causing shipowners to delay entry, skewing maritime logistics further.
Tensions are rising over tariffs as the U.S. strongly opposes the proposed Net-Zero Framework, a Global Carbon Tax backed by India and China. The U.S. warns against any agreements that may harm its economy. In April, India and 62 nations voted in favor of the tax aimed at emission reductions.
China has expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and Mumbai Coast Guard for their swift rescue of eight Chinese nationals from the burning MV Wan Hai 503. The vessel caught fire near Kerala after explosions, resulting in injuries among crew members and ongoing firefighting efforts, as it drifts with significant smoke.
Last weekend, a tragic collision occurred near Ningbo port complex involving a containership and a dry bulk carrier. One seafarer lost their life, and three others were injured. The containership was departing with 934 TEU while the bulker sank in just five minutes. Investigations are ongoing as the company mourns the loss and focuses on growth.
During welding on a vessel, high flammable gas concentration was discovered due to transferring fuel oil for testing. Lack of safety measures like ventilation led to dangerous conditions. Sparks ignited the gas, causing explosions. This incident stresses the importance of following safety protocols during welding to avoid accidents and fatalities.
Chinese heavy-lift ships Ocean 28 and Nan Feng Zhi Xing push through thickening ice on the Northern Sea Route to deliver a power plant to a Russian LNG project. Facing delays due to storms and deteriorating ice conditions, their journey highlights the risks and challenges of Arctic shipping, raising safety concerns.
The summer shipping season on Russia’s Northern Sea Route is ending early due to winter ice forming sooner than expected. Ships must hurry to complete their transits before the route closes in three weeks. A near-disaster in October 2021 prompted this early shutdown to ensure safe passage for vessels navigating the Arctic waters.
Real-time monitoring of ship status for improved voyage planning is key for Höegh Autoliners. Using LNG as the main fuel, their vessel achieves a 58% lower carbon intensity indicator than standard PCTCs. Kongsberg Digital’s cloud infrastructure collects and translates data for efficient route planning, maintenance monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Two Chinese container ships are navigating the Arctic’s Northeast Passage to connect Chinese ports with European destinations. The Arctic Route offers a shortcut to avoid the Red Sea’s turbulent waters, with icebreaker escort required in some regions. New Shipping Line operates the vessels, planning expansion in the Arctic.
