On October 3, 2025, U.S. authorities published an official guideline (CSMS #66427144) regarding the introduction of the new “vessel service fees.” These fees will take effect on October 14, 2025, and will apply to all vessels that are either built in China, owned by, or operated by Chinese companies.
The fees will be applied as follows:
| Annex | Applies to | Basis | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex I | Vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities | Per net ton | USD 50 / NT |
| Annex II | China-built vessels (regardless of flag or owner) | Higher of per ton or per container | USD 18 / NT or USD 120 per container |
| Annex III | Vehicle carriers and Ro-Ros (all foreign-built) | Per net ton | USD 46 / NT |
The key changes for Chinese-built vessels are outlined in Annex II and are explained as follows:
- Vessels sailing empty or in ballast to the U.S. are no longer automatically exempt from the service fee. The exception applies only if the vessel is not carrying cargo or passengers on board or taking them onboard.
- As previously reported in April, vessels with a capacity of up to 4,000 TEU or 55,000 DWT remain exempt from the fees. An exemption also applies to vessels that have traveled less than 2,000 nautical miles from the foreign port .
- The rate for car carriers has been increased to USD 46 per net ton, instead of the previously proposed USD 14 per net ton.
- U.S.-flagged vessels with a deadweight tonnage (DWAT) of up to 10,000 will be exempt from the fee from October 14, 2025, to April 18, 2029 (unless extended).
The guideline specifies that it is the responsibility of the shipping company to determine whether a vessel is subject to the fee and to ensure that the fees are paid at least three days prior to arrival via the government website: Pay.gov. The data is automatically linked to the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS), and vessels without proof of payment will not be able to discharge cargo or obtain clearance.
We advise our members to consider this when finalizing their charter agreements and to include the BIMCO USTR Clause when trading to the U.S. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with the agent in advance to confirm whether a vessel is required to pay the fees.
NNPC will continue to monitor developments and will keep members informed of any updates. For questions or assistance, we encourage members to contact the NNPC claims team at claims@nnpc-marine.com.
