Thorny Trade Decision: Can 'Thormax' Cruise U.S. 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 Thormax, 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, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel may affect U.S. shipbuilders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Thormax (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking for public comments, due May 23, 2025, on whether allowing this vessel would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders; commenters are asked to demonstrate adverse effect with supporting documentation (Docket MARAD-2025-0016).
Potential harm to coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels
MARAD is requesting comment on whether allowing the foreign-built M/V Thormax to engage in U.S. coastwise trade would unduly adversely affect coastwise trade businesses in the United States that employ U.S.-built vessels. Comments must be submitted by May 23, 2025, and should state the commenter’s interest and provide supporting documentation of any undue adverse effect (Docket MARAD-2025-0016).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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