Foreign Vessel Poaches U.S. Waters? M/V Fortuna Sparks Trade Debate
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V FORTUNA, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are due by February 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built Vessel May Hurt U.S. Shipbuilders
MARAD is deciding whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V FORTUNA (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) may operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will assess whether allowing the vessel would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on U.S. coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels, and is soliciting public comments to inform that determination.
Public Comments Become Public Record
If you submit a comment to Docket MARAD-2025-1191, your entire comment—including personal identifying information—will be posted publicly on regulations.gov; comments must be submitted on or before February 6, 2026. You may request confidential commercial treatment by emailing [email protected] with the subject line 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' and stating the basis, but submitted material may still be released under FOIA procedures.
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