Mysterious 'Chichochu' foreign boat wants American coastal access.
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 Chichochu, 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 vessel may enter coastwise trade
MARAD is considering whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Chichochu should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking for public comment (due May 23, 2025) to determine whether that proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Eligibility pathway for small (≤12) passenger vessels
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), small passenger vessels authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire may receive a U.S. coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD determines that the vessel's coastwise use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. The notice concerns such an eligibility determination for the M/V Chichochu.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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