Sunbelle's Sneaky Sail: Can Foreign Ferry Join U.S. Coasts?
Published Date: 8/6/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V SUNBELLE, 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 and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate these boats along U.S. shores, so keep an eye out for comment deadlines!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-Built 12-Passenger Vessel Review
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is asking for public comments on a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V SUNBELLE to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. MARAD wants information to decide whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11753 — Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Capital Construction Fund and Exhibits
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info from U.S. ship owners who use the Capital Construction Fund, a special savings plan that helps them build or upgrade vessels by delaying some taxes. Fewer people are responding now, so the paperwork is lighter, but they’re asking for your thoughts within 30 days. This renewal won’t change the rules or costs, just keeps the program running smoothly.
2026-11758 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V AVANGA
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V AVANGA, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal waters. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are open until July 13, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!
2026-11754 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V GHOST CRAB
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V GHOST CRAB operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until July 13, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-11755 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LIVE BAIT III
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V LIVE BAIT III, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share them. This could open doors for new boats but also affects local shipbuilders and operators.
2026-11759 — Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Capital Construction Fund and Exhibits
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info from U.S. ship owners who use the Capital Construction Fund, a special savings plan that helps them build or upgrade vessels by delaying some taxes. Fewer people are responding now, but the rules and forms won’t change. If you’re involved, you’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts—no extra costs or new paperwork coming your way!
2026-11756 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V KELMAR
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V KELMAR, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from the public by July 13, 2026. If approved, it might shake up the small passenger vessel scene without costing taxpayers a dime.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14901 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V YAMUY
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V YAMUY, can be used for U.S. coastal trips. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses that use U.S.-made vessels. People have a chance to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Next: 2025-14903 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection: Application To Transfer and Register NFA Firearm (Tax-Exempt), ATF Form 5320.5 (“Form 5”)
The ATF is updating the form people use to transfer and register certain tax-exempt firearms, called Form 5. This affects gun owners and dealers who handle these special firearms, making the process clearer and easier. They’re asking for feedback now before the updated form gets approved, so watch for deadlines and no new fees are expected.