Kingfisher Kings US Waters? Foreign Bird Boat Tests Trade Laws
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 Kingfisher, 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 if you care about American maritime jobs and trade rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential Impact on U.S. Shipbuilders
MARAD is considering a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Kingfisher to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking whether that proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments about adverse effects must be submitted to docket MARAD-2025-0018 by May 23, 2025.
Chance for Operators to Gain Coastwise Endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), the Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement for eligible small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire if MARAD determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. builders or coastwise businesses. The request for the M/V Kingfisher is being reviewed under that process, creating a potential path for foreign-built small passenger vessels to receive coastwise authorization.
Deadline to Submit Supporting Comments
Stakeholders who want to contest or support the request must submit comments, including supporting documentation, to docket MARAD-2025-0018 by May 23, 2025. Comments should state the vessel name and the commenter's interest and may be submitted via Regulations.gov or mail/hand delivery as described in the notice.
Public Posting and Confidential Submission Rules
All comments submitted to docket MARAD-2025-0018 will be posted publicly on Regulations.gov, including personal identifying information. Commenters may request confidential commercial treatment by emailing [email protected] with the subject 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' and specific justification, but such information will be handled under FOIA procedures (49 CFR 7.29).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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