Frikki Tiki Boat: Can This Foreign Vessel Party Along U.S. Coasts?
Published Date: 9/8/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V FRIKKI TIKI can be used for U.S. coastwise trade, which means carrying up to 12 passengers for hire along U.S. coasts. They want to hear from people who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to operate these boats and when, so keep an eye out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel up for approval
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V FRIKKI TIKI to engage in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD is asking whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders.
Possible harm to coastwise businesses
MARAD is soliciting comments on whether use of the M/V FRIKKI TIKI for coastwise trade would adversely affect U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The question is specifically about boats that carry up to twelve passengers for hire.
Approval could change who operates
The notice states that if MARAD approves the request, it could change who is allowed to operate these small passenger vessels and when they may operate in coastwise trade. The vessel at issue is the M/V FRIKKI TIKI and the authorization being considered covers vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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