M/V Almeda: Can Foreign Boat Anchor in American Waters?
Published Date: 5/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V Almeda, can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American shipbuilders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments to help decide. This could affect companies that rely on U.S.-built boats and might change who can operate these passenger vessels.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Decision Could Affect U.S. Shipbuilders
MARAD is asking for public comments on a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V Almeda to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The agency will 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.
Applies to Small Passenger Vessels (≤12)
The determination request covers vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire, like the M/V Almeda. If MARAD allows coastwise use, the decision specifically affects operators and businesses that run or rely on small passenger vessels carrying 12 or fewer paying passengers.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08172, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Above Average
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V Above Average can be used for U.S. coastwise trade, which means carrying up to 12 passengers for hire along U.S. waters. They want to hear from people who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate these boats and when.
Next: 2025-08174, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V FRIDA
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called S/V FRIDA can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from people who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run certain passenger trips along the coast, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!