Foreign Fancy Boat 'VELA VIA' Eyes American Coastwise Action
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V VELA VIA, for U.S. coastwise trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, so speak up if you have thoughts on this change!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential Impact on U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V VELA VIA to engage in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking for public comment to decide whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels; comments are due May 23, 2025 and the docket number is MARAD-2025-0019.
Eligibility Review for Small Passenger Vessels
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), MARAD and the U.S. Coast Guard may consider foreign-built small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire for a coastwise trade endorsement after notice and public comment. The current notice concerns S/V VELA VIA and invites interested parties to submit evidence of undue adverse effects to docket MARAD-2025-0019 by May 23, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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