BIMCO, the world's largest international shipping association, has initiated the development of a clause specifically addressing the new fees introduced on 14 October 2025 for U.S.-related ships calling at ports in China. 

The Chinese Ministry of Transport recently announced that new "Special Port Fees" would be imposed on ships arriving at Chinese ports if they are U.S.-built or flagged or owned or operated by U.S. entities, subject to certain exceptions. 

"Our industry is navigating escalating geopolitical uncertainty and trade restrictions. 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," said David Loosley, secretary general & CEO at BIMCO.

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 U.S. ports.

Recognising the 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 prioritised 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," said Stinne Taiger Ivø, seputy secretary general & director of Contracts at BIMCO.