Pursuant
to the Maritime Transport Agreement signed between the Republic of
Liberia and the People’s Republic of China on 3 November 2015, Liberia
will be added to the preferential list of countries when determining the
tonnage dues for vessels calling Chinese ports effective as from 14
February 2016.
The Agreement serves to further develop friendly relations between
the two governments and strengthen their cooperation in the field of
maritime transport on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, freedom
of navigation and the principle of non-discrimination.
In view of the aforementioned, ship-owners of Liberian registered
vessels will be charged tonnage dues when visiting any port in the PRC
at precisely the same rate as tonnage dues charged to vessels that are
lawfully registered and flagged with the PRC.
Within the limits of applicable laws and regulations, the cognizant
Chinese authority will take all appropriate measures to facilitate and
expedite maritime transport to avoid unnecessary delay of Liberian
vessels, and simplify and expedite as much as possible the relevant
customs and other port formalities of vessels, including those
concerning access to existing reception facilities for waste from
ships.
Liberian vessels shall be granted favorable treatment in respect of collection of tonnage dues.
Specifically, Liberian registered vessels will be charged tonnage
dues when visiting any port in the PRC at published Preferential Rate,
which for avoidance of doubt is the same rate as tonnage dues charged to
vessels that are lawfully registered and flagged with the PRC.
Comments
Post a Comment