On 10 October 2025, following recent amendments made to the People's Republic of China’s International Maritime Transport Regulations by Decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of China No. 817 (as covered in our briefing here - China – Possible Countermeasures to USTR Port Fees), in the “Announcement on Charging Special Port Fees for Ships to US Ships”, the Chinese Ministry of Transport announced the imposition of special port fees on US linked vessels - 交通运输部关于对美船舶收取船舶特别港务费的公告-政府信息公开-交通运输部. These special port fees will take effect on 14 October 2025 – the same day as the USTR service fees will be implemented above zero rate.In response to a question from reporters “What are China's considerations for announcing that it will charge special port fees for US ships?”, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Transport referred to the USTR service fees and to taking countermeasures against the United States, stating that charging special port fees for ships related to the United States, “…is a legitimate measure to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese shipping enterprises” (read here).The Chinese special port fees reflect the service fees under Annexes I & II of the USTR Notice (as covered in our briefing USTR Notice of Action and Proposed Action implementing fees on US port calls | NorthStandard | Marine Insurance) which apply to PRC-built and PRC owned / operated vessels, with similar features such as dates of implementation, stepped annual increases of the fees from 17 April 2026 to 2028, and a cap of a maximum of five charges per year, per vessel.With effect from 14 October 2025, special port fees will be imposed on the following categories of vessels calling at Chinese ports:1. Vessels owned by US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals.2. Vessels operated by US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals.3. Vessels owned or operated by enterprises or other organisations in which US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals directly or indirectly hold at least 25% of equity (including voting rights or board seats).4. Vessels flagged in the United States5. Vessels built in the United StatesThe special port fees will be levied on a per-voyage basis for vessels berthing at Chinese ports and will be implemented in phases (any fraction of one net ton shall be counted as one net ton):*US Dollar (USD) equivalent for the Chinese Yuan (RMB) charges, based on the current exchange rate of approximately 1 RMB = 0.140282 USDCollection of the fees will be carried out by the maritime administration authorities of the respective port of call. If a vessel calls at multiple Chinese ports during the same voyage, the fees are payable only at the first port of call on that voyage. As mentioned above, for the same vessel, the fees will be collected for a maximum of five voyages per year.The Ministry has stated it will formulate further specific implementation measures. The Club is continuing enquiries with local sources and will provide an updated briefing with any further guidance on payment arrangements and implementation by local authorities.Please see our industry insights webpage for the latest news USTR Action and Proposed Action on Chinese vessels & operators, and for more information or guidance, please contact the USTR Team nsuschinatariffs@north-standard.com or your usual Club contacts.