Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle V— - Merchant Marine › Part Part F— - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels › Chapter CHAPTER 575— - CONSTRUCTION, CHARTER, AND SALE OF VESSELS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - CHARTERS › § 57512
The Secretary of Transportation must only lease a Department ship to a private operator through competitive sealed bidding. Bidders have to follow the rules and terms in the public advertisement that asks for bids. The ad must list five things: the ships offered (how many, what kind, and tonnage), the minimum number of sailings, how long the charter lasts, that the Secretary can reject all bids, and any other needed info. Bids are opened where and when the ad says, anyone (including the press) may attend, and the results are announced publicly.
Full Legal Text
Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 57512
Title 46 — Shipping
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73