Foreign Kingfisher Boat Eyes US Passenger Coastal Waiver
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Kingfisher, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or local businesses. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up before a final decision is made!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Public comment on M/V Kingfisher use
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments about a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V Kingfisher to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD specifically wants information to decide whether that proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels before it makes a final determination.
Scope of MARAD coastwise determinations
MARAD has authority to make coastwise-use determinations for foreign-built (and certain U.S.-built or rebuilt) vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. This notice reflects that statutory authority and applies to requests like the one for the M/V Kingfisher.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06991, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V Island Jewel
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V Island Jewel, can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments to help decide. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate certain passenger vessels along U.S. coasts, so boat fans and businesses should pay attention soon!
Next: 2025-06993, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER, can be used for U.S. coastwise trade, which means traveling along the U.S. coast. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If you’re involved in this trade, now’s the time to share your thoughts before a final decision is made.