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U.S. Tariffs & Trade
The Club, and particularly our global offices in New York and Hong Kong, are closely monitoring developments in relation to the USTR section 301 Investigation and recent ‘reciprocal tariff’ announcements from the United States and China.
This page is designed to keep Members up to date with the latest industry information and updates from our correspondents and other recognised sources regarding developments in the United States and China. Please bear in mind that the situation is dynamic, and the operational status of these tariffs is subject to change at any time – Members are therefore advised to contact their local agents for the latest advice.
Publications
The Revised USTR Plan to Impose Port Fees on Chinese Vessels and Operators
The Revised USTR Plan imposes phased fees on Chinese-owned, operated, and built vessels at U.S. ports starting October 14, 2025. It also includes long-term LNG shipping restrictions and potential tariffs on maritime equipment to promote U.S.-built alternatives.
Articles
Notice of Readiness: FAQs
A Notice of Readiness (“NOR”) is an important document, under a voyage charter it represents the delivery of the vessel into the charter service and will likely play an important role in the commencement of laytime.
Disputes relating to laytime, including the validity of the Notice of Readiness, are common and the below is intended to be a short summary of the main principles relating to tender of an NOR.
Articles
Update from Greece: Limitless? Not this time!
The recently published Greek Supreme Court decision number 1806/2023 reaffirmed shipowners’ right to limit liability under the LLMC 1976 Convention for maritime claims in the event of a collision, in respect of losses arising out of Master’s personal acts or omissions, but not out of shipowners’ personal acts or omissions.
Articles
When is a seaman, not a seaman (II)?
The U.S 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Santee v Oceaneering International Inc of 12th March 2024 was discussed in – “When is a seaman, not a seaman (I)?”. The decision was that Santee was not a member of the crew and the court held that he had fraudulently pleaded his status as a Jones Act Seaman working as a remote operated vehicle (ROV) technician aboard a drillship on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Articles
The Star Antares – More Than An Average Decision?
In the case of Star Axe I LLC v Royal Sun Alliance Luxembourg SA and others, The Star Antares [2023] EWHC 2784, the English High Court has clarified a long standing debate by finding that the York Antwerp Rules 2016 are incorporated into the Congenbill 1994 when General Average is agreed to be adjusted “according to York-Antwerp Rules 1994, or any subsequent modification thereof.”
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