Foreign 'Liberty' Boat Begs to Sail Protected US Coastal Waters
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 LIBERTY, 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. It’s a chance to weigh in on protecting American jobs while considering new vessel use.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential Harm to U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD is asking whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LIBERTY should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. You can comment by May 23, 2025 about whether allowing this vessel (eligible to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Opportunity for Foreign-Built Vessel to Gain U.S. Trade Entry
If MARAD determines the use of the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LIBERTY will not adversely affect U.S. builders or coastwise businesses, the vessel could become eligible for a U.S. document with a coastwise trade endorsement and operate carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. Interested parties may submit comments to MARAD (Docket MARAD-2025-0049) by May 23, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2025-06994, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Lexington
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Lexington, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. shipbuilders 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 jobs or businesses before giving the green light.
Next: 2025-06996, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Loon
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Loon, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects businesses using U.S.-built vessels and aims to protect American shipbuilders and operators. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this!