Foreign Aqua Vessel Tests U.S. Coastwise Trade Boundaries Again
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Aqua, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by May 23, 2025. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American jobs or businesses before giving the green light.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built M/V Aqua may affect U.S. shipbuilders
MARAD is considering whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Aqua may operate in U.S. coastwise trade. You are a U.S. vessel builder if this decision could have an adverse effect on your business; MARAD is asking for comments on that question, with comments due by May 23, 2025. The vessel at issue is a small passenger vessel authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire.
Coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels may be impacted
MARAD is asking whether allowing the foreign-built M/V Aqua to operate in U.S. coastwise trade would adversely affect businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. If you run a coastwise trade business that employs U.S.-built vessels, you may be affected and can submit comments with supporting documentation by May 23, 2025. The eligibility context applies to small passenger vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire.
Eligibility for coastwise endorsement for small passenger vessels
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement for eligible small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire if MARAD, after notice and comment, determines the use will not adversely affect U.S. builders or coastwise businesses. The M/V Aqua request is being reviewed under that process, and interested parties may comment by May 23, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V Alacrity, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this!
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The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Barroness, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are due by May 23, 2025, so now’s the time to weigh in before any changes happen.