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BIMCO Developing Clause for Chinese Port Fees

[ October 23, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

BIMCO, the Danish shipping association, has begun development of a clause specifically addressing the new fees introduced on Oct. 14 for U.S.-related ships calling at ports in China.

The Chinese Ministry of Transport said Oct. 10 that it would impose new “Special Port Fees” on ships arriving at Chinese ports if they are U.S.-built, flagged or owned or operated by U.S. entities, subject to certain exceptions.

“Our industry is navigating escalating geopolitical uncertainty and trade restrictions,” said BIMCO Secretary General and CEO David Loosley. “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 fees on Chinese-related ships earlier this year.”

In July, BIMCO’s Documentary Committee adopted a standard clause aimed at addressing the USTR’s decision to impose fees on Chinese-related ships calling U.S. ports. Recognizing an urgent need for clarity, a BIMCO subcommittee comprising legal and commercial experts has been formed to work on the new clause and the BIMCO Documentary Committee has prioritized the drafting.

“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,” says Stinne Taiger Ivø, deputy secretary general and director of contracts at BIMCO.

Tags: Chinese Ministry of Transport, David Loosely - BIMCO