Fancy Foreign Yacht 'Barroness' Eyes American Waters Waiver
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 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built Vessel May Hurt U.S. Shipbuilders
MARAD is considering whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Barroness may be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD explicitly solicits comments on whether that use would have an adverse effect on United States vessel builders; comments are due May 23, 2025 (DOT Docket MARAD-2025-0027). The vessel class at issue is a small passenger vessel authorized to carry no more than twelve passengers for hire under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b).
Possible Impact on Coastwise Trade Businesses Using U.S. Vessels
MARAD is asking whether allowing the M/V Barroness to operate in coastwise trade would unduly adversely affect coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. The public may submit comments with supporting documentation to DOT Docket MARAD-2025-0027 by May 23, 2025 to address potential adverse effects on those businesses. The statutory standard cited is 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) for small passenger vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire.
Potential Coastwise Certificate for M/V Barroness
If MARAD determines the proposed coastwise use of the M/V Barroness would not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses, the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement for the vessel. The rulemaking notice invites public comment on that determination (comments due May 23, 2025, docket MARAD-2025-0027) for a small passenger vessel that would carry no more than twelve passengers for hire under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b).
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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 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.
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