Starry Voyage Ahead? 'Star Fisher' Seeks U.S. Coastal Okay
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 Star Fisher, 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. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American shipbuilders or coastal businesses before giving the green light.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible Approval of Foreign-Built Vessel
MARAD is considering whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Star Fisher (a vessel proposed to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) may operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will decide whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
Public Comment Process and Confidentiality Rules
Stakeholders may submit comments on MARAD Docket MARAD-2025-0024 through regulations.gov or by mail, with comments due by May 23, 2025. All comments will be posted publicly to the docket at www.regulations.gov, but commenters may request confidential commercial treatment by emailing [email protected] with the subject heading "Contains Confidential Commercial Information" or "Contains CCI"; FOIA procedures apply to any confidentiality claim.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Sophia Marina, 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. The goal is to make sure this won’t hurt American shipbuilders or coastal businesses before giving the green light.
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