China’s Ministry of Transport will impose a new “Special Port Service Fee” on U.S. linked vessels from 14 October 2025, aligning with U.S. Section 301 measures taking effect the same day. In its announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Transport criticises the U.S. actions announced in April this year and warns of significant disruption to maritime
Refusing voyage orders: Sanctions risk assessments must be based on evidence, not speculation
Tonzip Maritime Ltd v. 2Rivers Pte Ltd (formerly Coral Energy Pte Ltd) [2025] EWHC 2036 (Comm)
A. Key facts
On 5 November 2021, Tonzip Maritime Ltd (Owners), owner of the vessel CATALAN SEA (the Vessel), entered into a voyage charterparty with 2Rivers Pte Ltd (formerly Coral Energy Pte Ltd) (2Rivers) for the carriage of oil from Primorsk, Russia, to Aliaga, Turkey (the Charterparty).Continue Reading Refusing voyage orders: Sanctions risk assessments must be based on evidence, not speculation
EU-nough Russian Oil – EU’s 18th Sanctions Package
On 18 July 2025, the EU announced the 18th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus. The legislative texts were published on 19 July 2025. As of this date, the latest restrictions indicate a misalignment between the EU / UK, and other G7 members, including the United States.Continue Reading EU-nough Russian Oil – EU’s 18th Sanctions Package
U.S. section 301 strikes back: Additional U.S. port service fees on vessels with China nexus; potential far-reaching implications for leaseback arrangements
U.S. concerns surrounding the proliferation of the Chinese shipbuilding industry pre-date the current tariff wars. Under the previous Biden administration, on March 12, 2024, various U.S. labor unions filed a petition requesting an investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.
Following a year-long investigation, including input from industry and a public consultation, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) determined that China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce and is therefore actionable under Sections 301(b) and 304(a) of the Trade Act.Continue Reading U.S. section 301 strikes back: Additional U.S. port service fees on vessels with China nexus; potential far-reaching implications for leaseback arrangements
USTR imposes fees and restrictions on certain maritime transport services
On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a series of fees and restrictions intended to address China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. The announcement follows the USTR’s year-long investigation into China’s acts, policies, and practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Maritime transport services
What impact will President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have on the United Kingdom?
Background to the Reciprocal Plan on Trade
On February 13, the U.S. administration introduced its Fair and Reciprocal Plan on Trade, outlining its approach to reciprocal tariffs. The policy aims to address what the administration perceives as an unfair trade imbalance, where the U.S. maintains relatively low import tariffs while other countries impose higher
BIS seeks comments on a proposed rule prohibiting transactions involving Chinese and Russian vehicle connectivity system hardware and software
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would prohibit transactions involving Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS)[1] hardware and covered software designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of China (including Hong Kong) or Russia. Comments will be due
EU 14th Sanctions Package against Russia
On 24 June 2024, the EU agreed the long-awaited 14th package of sanctions against Russia. These latest measures introduce several new thematic restrictions and imposed asset freeze measures on an additional 116 individuals and entities including Sovcomflot and the Volga Dnepr Group.
Continue Reading EU 14th Sanctions Package against Russia
EU Clarifies Article 3q for Tanker S&P Market
After various delays, on 19 February 2024 the EU Commission issued its FAQ guidance on Article 3q of Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 (as amended). The FAQ document provides some key clarifications sought by the market. However, some uncertainties remain
Continue Reading EU Clarifies Article 3q for Tanker S&P Market
Christmas comes early for G7 operators – EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia, changes to the Price Cap Model
On 18 December, the EU announced their 12th round of sanctions targeting Russia. This comes against the backdrop of a flurry of Russia sanctions related activity and a number of designations of third country actors believed to be engaged in price-cap circumvention.
Continue Reading Christmas comes early for G7 operators – EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia, changes to the Price Cap Model