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Member Alert

China Introduces Special Port Fees on U.S.-Linked Vessels

Further to the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, the Chinese Ministry of Transport has announced the immediate implementation of new Measures for the Imposition of Special Port Dues on U.S.-Linked Vessels, effective 14 October 2025. The measures introduce additional port fees targeting vessels with ownership, operational, or other links to the United States.

Under the new regime, vessels calling at Chinese ports will be liable for the special port dues if they fall within any of the following categories:

  • owned, operated, or controlled by a U.S. entity or individual
  • owned or operated by an entity in which U.S. interests hold 25% or more of the equity, voting rights, or board seats
  • registered under the U.S. flag
  • or constructed in the United States.

The port dues are set at RMB 400 per net tonne for vessels berthing on or after 14 October 2025, increasing gradually to RMB 1,120 per net tonne by April 2028.

  • From 14 October 2025: RMB 400 per net tonne
  • From 17 April 2026: RMB 640 per net tonne
  • From 17 April 2027: RMB 880 per net tonne
  • From 17 April 2028: RMB 1,120 per net tonne

The charge applies per voyage, collected at the vessel’s first Chinese port of call, and is capped at five voyages per vessel per year, with subsequent voyages exempted upon proof of earlier payment. Vessels failing to pay the dues will not be permitted to complete entry or exit formalities.

The regulations also introduce a mandatory reporting requirement. Vessels or their agents must submit a Reporting Form of U.S.-Linked Vessel Information to the local Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) at least seven days before arrival, declaring the vessel’s country of build, flag, ownership, operation, and charter details. Vessels confirming that they do not meet the criteria for being “U.S.-linked” may indicate “No” on the form and are not required to complete the subsidiary questions.

These measures represent a further step in the ongoing maritime and trade policy retaliation between the U.S. and China and may have both cost and compliance implications for shipowners, particularly those with U.S. shareholders, U.S.-built tonnage, or U.S. operational control.

Members are advised to review their ownership and management structures carefully, ensure that Masters and agents are aware of the new MSA reporting requirements, and maintain documentary evidence confirming the vessel’s non-U.S. status where applicable. The Club recommends that Members exercise caution when planning Chinese port calls for vessels that may fall within the scope of these measures.

The Club will continue to monitor developments closely and issue further guidance as additional information becomes available from Chinese authorities.

If you have any questions to the above, please contact