BIMCO is developing a clause specifically addressing the new fees introduced on October 14, 2025 for US-related ships calling at ports in China.
The Chinese Ministry of Transport announced on October 10 that “special port fees” would be imposed on ships arriving at Chinese ports if they are US-built or flagged or owned or operated by US entities, subject to certain exceptions. “To help reduce the contractual uncertainty, we are developing a new clause addressing the Chinese fees, just as we responded to the need for a clause addressing the United States Trade Representative’s [USTR] fees on Chinese-related ships earlier this year,” said BIMCO secretary general and ceo David Loosley.
In July 2025, BIMCO’s Documentary Committee adopted a standard clause aimed at addressing the USTR’s decision to impose fees on Chinese-related ships calling US ports.
“Following the development of our USTR Clause for Time Charter Parties, we are now receiving enquiries for a clause addressing the new Chinese port fees. To respond quickly, our expedited procedure will be applied which enables the Documentary Committee to act with urgency,” added Taiger Ivø, deputy secretary general and director of contracts at BIMCO.
