Date: 14 Oct 2025

Oasis Circular No.: 2506

FAQ

Subject: Ministry of Transport of China Issued Measures for Implementing the Imposition of Special Port Dues on U.S.-Linked Vessels 

On Oct 14, 2025, Ministry of Transport of China released measures for implementing Special Port Dues on U.S.-Linked vessels in accordance with the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation" (newly amended on 29 Sep 2025).

A. What is the effective Date

14 October 2025

B. What's the arrival time of a vessel

Vessel's berthing time at the first Chinese port of call.

C. Which vessels may be caught by the regulations?

1. Vessels owned by enterprises, other organizations, or individuals of the United States;

2. Vessels operated by enterprises, other organizations, or individuals of the United States;

3. Vessels owned or operated by an enterprise or other organization in which enterprises, other organizations, or individuals of the United States directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the equity (including voting rights or board seats);

4. Vessels flying the flag of the United States;

5. Vessels constructed in the United States.

D. Reporting requirements

Reporting entity: the vessel or its agent.

Reporting authority: Maritime administrative authority at the first Chinese port of call.

Time: 7 days before the vessel's expected arrival at the first Chinese port (or upon departure from the last port of call if the voyage is less than 7 days).

Contents of report: vessel's country of build, flag state, owner, operator, chartering status, and intended ports of call for the current voyage. A “Reporting Form of U.S.-Linked Vessel Information” requested by the maritime administrative authority is attached to this circular.

E. Exemptions

Vessels falling under items 1 to 4 in question C above but constructed in China, and vessels entering Chinese shipyards for repairs in ballast (without cargo), and other vessels recognized as eligible for exemption.

F. What fees will apply?

The following Special Port Dues will apply and will be collected on a per-voyage basis (any fraction of 1 Net Ton shall be counted as 1 Net Ton):

1. For vessels berthing at Chinese ports on or after October 14, 2025: RMB 400 per Net Ton;

2. For vessels berthing at Chinese ports on or after April 17, 2026: RMB 640 per Net Ton;

3. For vessels berthing at Chinese ports on or after April 17, 2027: RMB 880 per Net Ton;

4. For vessels berthing at Chinese ports on or after April 17, 2028: RMB 1,120 per Net Ton.

G. Payment

When to pay: 7 days before the vessel's expected arrival at the first Chinese port (or upon departure from the last port of call if the voyage is less than 7 days).

Who pays: The vessel or its agent.

How it's charged: The fee is charged on a per voyage basis, and a vessel will not be charged again at subsequent ports of call on the same voyage. 

Annual limit: Each vessel is subject to the Special Port Dues for no more than five voyages within a year. Subsequent voyages within the same year shall not be charged upon presentation of proof of payment for the first five voyages.

The start date of the annual billing cycle: April 17 of each year.

H. Recipient of the Special Port Dues

The maritime administrative authority at the first Chinese port of call.

I. Failure in paying the Special Port Dues in full

The vessel cannot be granted entry and exit formalities.

J. Is there other useful information?

Yes. Please refer to the attachments of this circular.

We hope the above will be of assistance. If there is any query, please feel free to contact us at oasis@oasispandi.com at any time.

Best regards,

Oasis P&I Services Company Limited

Attachment:

1. Measures for Implementing the Imposition of Special Port Dues on U.S.-Linked Vessels (in Chinese)

2. Measures for Implementing the Imposition of Special Port Dues on U.S.-Linked Vessels (in English)

3. Reporting Form of U.S.-Linked Vessel Information