Coast Guard Slashes Great Lakes Pilot Fees: Ships Sail Cheaper in 2026
Published Date: 9/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is planning to lower Great Lakes pilotage rates by about 7% for the 2026 shipping season, making it cheaper for ships to get expert help navigating these waters. They’re also tweaking how they calculate these rates by removing one step to keep things fair and simple. This affects shipping companies and anyone relying on Great Lakes trade, with changes kicking in next year and open for public feedback now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilotage Rates Cut ~7% for 2026
The Coast Guard proposes to lower Great Lakes pilotage rates by about 7% for the 2026 shipping season, an approximately 7-percent decrease in operating costs compared to the 2025 season. This makes it cheaper for ships to hire pilots and may affect shipping companies and anyone relying on Great Lakes trade.
Methodology Change: Remove Step 5
As part of the 2026 full ratemaking, the Coast Guard proposes removing Step 5 of the ratemaking methodology, which concerns the working capital fund, describing the change as intended to keep the methodology fair and simple. The change is part of the ratemaking process that will apply to the 2026 shipping season.
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
2026-08699 — Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2026-11727 — Availability of Retrospective Analysis of 2012 Ballast Water Discharge Standards
The Coast Guard just released a fresh look at the 2012 rules that control what ships can dump in U.S. waters to keep invasive critters out. This new report checks if the original costs and benefits still add up using updated info. Ship owners, environmental groups, and the public can weigh in by August 10, 2026, to help shape future decisions—no wallet surprises yet, just smarter rules ahead!
2026-11725 — Regulated Navigation Area; Piscataqua River, Newington, NH
Starting June 11, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules on the Piscataqua River near the General Sullivan Bridge in Newington, NH, because the bridge is being taken down. Boats must slow down, can’t be wider than 160 feet, and sometimes won’t be allowed through at all during risky demolition work. These rules will last until March 31, 2027, keeping everyone safe without costing boaters extra fees.
2026-11789 — Special Local Regulation; Ohio River, Henderson, KY
On July 3, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard will temporarily block off part of the Ohio River near Henderson, KY, to keep everyone safe during a big fireworks show. Boats can’t enter the area unless they get special permission. This quick rule helps protect people and vessels from fireworks hazards without any extra fees or delays.
2026-11747 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes Zone
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on the water for fun annual events in the Eastern Great Lakes this July 2026. Boat operators must follow rules and listen to Coast Guard directions during these times to keep everyone safe. These temporary zones might delay some boaters but won’t cost extra money.
2026-11724 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone
On July 4, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone on the Maumee River in Toledo during the 4th of July fireworks to keep everyone safe. No boats can enter the area without permission, and if bad weather hits, the same rules apply on July 5. This affects boaters and helps protect people and property during the celebration.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17094 — Safety Zone; Patapsco River, Francis Scott Key Bridge
The Coast Guard wants to set up two temporary safety zones around the Francis Scott Key Bridge on the Patapsco River to keep everyone safe during demolition and construction work. Boats and people won’t be allowed in these zones unless they get special permission. This rule helps protect lives without costing anyone extra money and is open for public comments.
Next: 2025-17115 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants all Airbus H160-B helicopter owners to update their maintenance manuals with new safety rules to keep flying safe. These changes mean stricter checks and fixes to prevent problems before they happen. Owners should get ready to follow these new rules soon, which might cost some time and money but keep everyone safer in the sky!