Foreign Vessel Frenzy: KARINA Cruises Toward Coastwise Approval
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V KARINA, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from the public by June 1, 2026. If approved, it might open doors for more foreign vessels in U.S. waters without costing taxpayers extra.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built S/V KARINA Could Compete With U.S. Builders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V KARINA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for public comments by June 1, 2026, on whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders.
Coastwise Businesses May Face New Competition
The decision would determine whether the S/V KARINA may operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers for hire; MARAD seeks comments by June 1, 2026, on whether that operation would adversely affect U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Commenters are asked to demonstrate undue adverse effects with supporting documentation to the DOT docket MARAD-2026-0663.
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