Notice on Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel Request for Coastwise Trade
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice asks the public to comment on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel named S/V MARTHA SEABURY should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is deciding whether that use would hurt U.S. vessel builders or businesses that use U.S.-built vessels in coastal passenger service. Businesses in the U.S. small passenger vessel market may want to review the filing and submit comments by June 1, 2026 if they believe the request would create an unfair competitive impact. Any comment should identify the vessel, explain the commenter’s stake, and include evidence of harm.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- MARAD opens a public comment period on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel in U.S. coastwise trade.
- The agency will decide whether the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels.
- Comments are due by June 1, 2026 and should include evidence of any claimed competitive harm.
Obligations
What this law requires
Commenters wishing to influence MARAD’s determination should submit comments on the proposed foreign-built small passenger vessel’s use in U.S. coastwise trade by identifying the vessel, stating their interest, and explaining any expected undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses with supporting documentation.
Interested parties seeking to comment on the MARAD determination request should submit comments identified by DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-0665 and include the agency name and specific docket number in the submission.
Commenters should refer to the vessel name, state their interest in the request, and provide supporting documentation showing the undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Any comment or attachment submitted to the docket must be written in English and include the agency name and the specific DOT docket number.
If submitting comments by mail or hand delivery, commenters should include their name, mailing address, and an email address or telephone number in the body of the submission so MARAD can contact them if questions arise.