China has extended its suspension of special port fees on U.S.-linked ships until January 10, 2027, following a corresponding U.S. decision. The move postpones additional maritime charges while Gulf tanker earnings fall sharply and new cargo restrictions emerge in the Baltic.
1. China extends U.S.-linked vessel port-fee suspension
• On November 9, China’s Ministry of Transport announced that special port charges on U.S.-linked vessels would remain suspended until January 10, 2027.
• The decision also extends the suspension of China’s investigation into shipping, shipbuilding and related supply-chain security. The ministry said the measure implements the latest bilateral economic and trade consultation outcomes.
• The United States separately confirmed a two-month extension of its Section 301 maritime measures. The USTR notice, effective November 9, suspends the relevant maritime transport service fees.
• The U.S. extension also covers specified duties on ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo-handling equipment under the relevant Section 301 action. It does not suspend every existing U.S. tariff on Chinese equipment.
• For owners, charterers and operators, the immediate consequence is the postponement of additional port-call liabilities under these measures. The suspension is temporary, leaving January 2027 as the next decision point for vessel deployment and voyage-cost planning.
2. Khor Fakkan beach closed following coastal oil contamination
• Authorities in Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, temporarily closed Al Luluyah Beach on November 9 after oil patches were detected along the shoreline.
• Municipal authorities initiated cleanup operations and restricted public access to the affected beach while the contamination is assessed.
• The source of the pollution has not been officially established. No verified vessel identity, IMO number, cargo quantity or spill volume has been released in connection with this beach closure.
• UKMTO had reported a separate maritime-security incident approximately 18 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan on November 7. There is currently no verified evidence establishing that the incident caused the contamination.
• The confirmed restriction concerns the coastal beach. No corresponding closure of Khor Fakkan’s commercial port or navigational approaches has been established in the available reports.
3. Gulf of Oman VLCC earnings fall nearly $100,000 per day
• Lloyd’s List reported on November 9 that indicative VLCC earnings for vessels loading in the Gulf of Oman had fallen to $478,277 per day.
• The assessment was nearly $100,000 per day lower than the previous Friday and approximately 33% below the level immediately preceding the U.S. midterm elections.
• The decline follows exceptionally high tanker earnings associated with constrained Gulf cargo movements, shuttle tanker operations and ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz.
• Market discussion has shifted toward the possible future of the Hormuz shuttle-trade system. BRS has suggested that producers may retain some shuttle arrangements even after a peace agreement because of continuing security concerns.
• The latest figure represents an indicative market assessment, not an individual fixture or guaranteed vessel earning. Freight remains unusually elevated despite the correction.
4. Lithuania introduces stricter grain-export clearance at Klaipeda
• Lithuania will require specified Russian and Belarusian agricultural cargoes passing through Klaipeda to remain in storage until their declared origin has been verified.
• An Agriculture Ministry official told Reuters on November 9 that the requirement would apply from the following week to wheat, barley, sunflower seeds and maize.
• Customs clearance will be withheld pending testing. The process could take two months or longer, partly because Lithuania lacks the necessary domestic laboratory facilities.
• Exporters will bear the costs of storage and testing, together with any return or destruction required if the declared cargo origin is found to be fraudulent.
• The measure targets suspected misdeclaration of agricultural products originating from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. EU restrictions prohibit imports of Russian grain while permitting transit, creating a distinct compliance issue for cargoes moving through Baltic ports.
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Sources
U.S. Trade Representative, China’s Ministry of Transport, Reuters, Lloyd’s List, Khor Fakkan Municipality
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China port fees, U.S.-China shipping, Section 301, Maritime trade, Port charges, Shipbuilding, Shipping regulation, VLCC freight
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