Hit or Bust: Foreign M/V BLACKJACK Bets on US Coastal Trade
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 BLACKJACK, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders 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 shipbuilders or coastal businesses before giving the green light.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built 12-passenger vessel review
The Maritime Administration is evaluating a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V BLACKJACK (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking for public comment to decide whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on U.S. coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Stakeholder comment deadline and public posting
Stakeholders may submit comments on the M/V BLACKJACK request by May 23, 2025, via Regulations.gov (docket MARAD-2025-0056) or by mail/hand delivery to the DOT Docket Management Facility. All comments will be posted publicly (including any personal identifying information); commenters may request confidential commercial treatment by emailing [email protected] with the subject 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information'.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06975, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Belafonte
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Belafonte, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt local jobs or trade. You have until May 23, 2025, to share your opinion—so don’t miss out on having your say!
Next: 2025-06977, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Busch Whacker
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Busch Whacker, 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 open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this!