China's restrictions on allowing the large 400,000 dwt dry bulk carriers to call at its ports could be relaxed as the government starts consultation on revising port safety regulations.

In a letter requesting for feedback on future administrative measures for the safe berthing of coastal vessels, China's ministry of transport seeks to ensure its ports can keep pace with the trend of vessels getting larger and at the same time maintain safe operations.

Among the several consultation points include a reconsideration on allowing bulkers larger than 300,000 dwt to berth provided that certain safety criterias are met.

For more than a year, the powerful China Shipowners' Association (CSA) has lobbied against the idea of allowing those 400,000 dwt valemaxes to call at Chinese ports due largely to safety issues.

The voice of CSA, led by executive vice chairman Zhang Shouguo, also criticised mining giant Vale, owner of the valemaxes, of trying to establish a monopoly and create unfair competition as the miner owns the cargoes and intends to control the seaborne transportation so as to manipulate freight rates to their advantage.

The ministry's consultation letter was sent to CSA, China Ports & Harbours Association, China Pilot Net, Maritime Safety Administration, and the relevant governmental departments and local port companies.

The ministry has requested a respond from the various parties by 6 September.

Earlier this year, Vale had revealed that it is in talks with the Chinese authorities on ironing out the technical requirements needed to accommodate the mega-sized iron ore carriers.