Marad Reviews Sapphire Vessel for Coastwise Trade Exemption
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V SAPPHIRE can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American shipbuilders or businesses. They want your thoughts by April 3, 2026, before making a decision. This affects companies using small passenger vessels and could impact the market for U.S.-built boats.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible Harm to U.S. Boatbuilders
MARAD is reviewing a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V SAPPHIRE (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The agency will decide whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. Interested parties may submit comments to Docket No. MARAD-2026-0333 by April 3, 2026.
Impact on Small Passenger Vessel Operators
The review concerns the use of the foreign-built M/V SAPPHIRE in U.S. coastwise trade and explicitly notes this affects companies using small passenger vessels. The public may comment on whether the vessel's proposed coastwise use would unduly adversely affect U.S. builders or businesses; comments must be submitted by April 3, 2026 to Docket No. MARAD-2026-0333.
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