China’s imposition of new “Special Port Service Fees” on U.S.-linked vessels is more than trade retaliation — it’s a further stress test for ship finance structures. Philip Rymer and Roberto Peroni explore how the measures could reshape sale-and-leaseback, lending, and
Latest from Ship Law Log
Chinese special port charges on U.S.-linked vessels
As a follow up to our initial post after the initial announcement on Friday 10 October 2025, we have further considered the new Implementation Measures (defined below) introduced by the Chinese government.
Near, far, wherever you are – Key Court of Appeal ruling on BIMCO Barecon 2001
The Court of Appeal recently considered the proper interpretation of Clause 29 of the BIMCO Barecon 2001 in the case Songa Product and Chemical Tankers III AS v Kairos Shipping II LLC [2025] EWCA Civ 1227.
China Targets U.S.-Linked Vessels with New Port Fees
Co-authored by Sofia Ntali and Shivana Agarwal.
China’s Ministry of Transport announced today that a “Special Port Service Fee” will be imposed on U.S. linked vessels from Tuesday 14 October 2025.
The new Chinese special port fees are said to
Reed Smith panel explores sanctions, tariffs, and decarbonisation during London International Shipping Week
LONDON, 22 September 2025 — Global law firm Reed Smith hosted a breakfast seminar as part of London International Shipping Week (LISW), bringing together insurers, financiers, and other key stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The event, titled ‘Navigating Uncharted Waters:
Frozen Funds, Sinking Deals: Navigating bank delays in ship sales – who should pay?
In the fast-paced world of ship sale and purchase (S&P), timing is everything. When millions of dollars are expected to change hands promptly between counterparties, even short delays can derail closing timelines, lead to contractual defaults, and trigger costly disputes.
Employment law implications for shipowners and charterers sailing through areas of conflict
The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict and the volatile situation in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz have intensified scrutiny of maritime risk zones. While the industry addresses insurance implications and routing strategies, a less discussed but critical concern lies in
A Tale of Two Time Bars – English Court examines effect of incorporated Hague Rules
Bills of lading very frequently incorporate the Hague or Hague-Visby Rules and charterparty terms. Conflicts between the terms of a bill of lading and the incorporated Rules can sometimes appear.
In Tanga Pharmaceuticals Plastics Limited and others v Emirates Shipping
Where safety meets style: protecting yachts through proactive risk management
Seriously irregular? – Be careful, or your award may be challenged
English law offers three grounds to appeal against or challenge an arbitration award. The most frequently seen is an appeal based on error of law under section 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (as amended by the Arbitration Act 2025,