BIMCO is reacting to Chinese special port fees on US-related ships calling at Chinese ports with a new standard clause.
The large shipping association BIMCO has started to develop a standard industry clause with the aim to address contractual uncertainties arising from China’s announcement to impose special port fees on US-related ships calling at its ports, starting on October 14.
“Recognising the urgent need for contractual clarity, the BIMCO Documentary Committee has prioritised the drafting of a time charter party clause to assist the shipping industry in navigating these developments. Our expedited procedure will be applied, a subcommittee has been formed and work has started in earnest,” BIMCO said in its statement.
In response to new US port service fees targeting Chinese vessels, China’s ministry of transport has announced and implemented “Special Port Fees” on US vessels calling at Chinese ports, effective from 14 October 2025.
In July, BIMCO’s Documentary Committee adopted a standard clause aimed at addressing contractual uncertainties that may arise from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) decision to impose fees on China-related ships calling at US ports.
The BIMCO USTR Clause for Time Charter Parties 2025 addresses fees incurred under Annexes I and II of the USTR Notice, specifically for vessels with a nexus to the People’s Republic of China in a time charter context. This clause may be incorporated into new charterparties, BIMCO said, and into existing charterparties.
