S/V Island Jewel Wants to Poach US Coastal Passenger Profits
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V Island Jewel, for U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign S/V may affect U.S. builders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V Island Jewel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels; the vessel would carry no more than 12 passengers for hire and comments are due by May 23, 2025.
Foreign vessel can seek coastwise endorsement
The owner of the foreign-built S/V Island Jewel may request MARAD's determination to permit coastwise trade use; if MARAD determines the use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or programs, the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for small passenger vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. Interested parties may submit comments to MARAD (Docket MARAD-2025-0023) by May 23, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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