Sea Spirit from Abroad: S/V Esprit de Mer Targets US Trade
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V Esprit de Mer, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 people. They want to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you’re involved in coastal trade or boat building, now’s the time to share your thoughts before a decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible harm to U.S. vessel builders
MARAD will determine whether allowing the foreign-built S/V Esprit de Mer to operate in coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders. The agency is specifically evaluating potential adverse effects on builders when a foreign-built small passenger vessel (carrying no more than twelve passengers) is proposed for U.S. coastal service.
Possible harm to U.S. coastwise trade businesses
MARAD is also evaluating whether the proposed use of S/V Esprit de Mer would have an adverse effect on U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The review focuses on small passenger service where the vessel would carry no more than twelve passengers for hire.
Public comment invited on foreign-built vessel
MARAD is asking for public comments on a request to use the foreign-built vessel S/V Esprit de Mer in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. If you are involved in coastal passenger operations or boat building, you can submit comments to help decide whether the vessel should be allowed to operate.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06987, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Eeya
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V Eeya, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from folks who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run these trips, so speak up before the deadline!
Next: 2025-06989, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Freedom
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Freedom, can be used for U.S. coastal trips. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses that use U.S.-made vessels. If you’re involved in coastal trade or boat building, now’s the time to share your thoughts before a final decision is made.