Another Foreign Boat Seeks US Waters Access, Yawn
Published Date: 9/24/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Delta Echo 7702, can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments to help decide. This could affect companies that rely on U.S.-built vessels and might influence future trade rules or approvals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Review of Foreign-Built Passenger Vessel
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built M/V Delta Echo 7702 to operate in U.S. coastwise trade and is deciding whether that use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The vessel is described as a small passenger boat that would carry no more than twelve passengers for hire, and MARAD will consider whether permitting its coastwise use hurts U.S. builders or businesses.
Public Comment Opportunity for Stakeholders
MARAD is publishing this notice to solicit public comments about the request to use the M/V Delta Echo 7702 in U.S. coastwise trade. Affected businesses and other stakeholders can submit comments to help MARAD determine whether the vessel’s proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
Possible Influence on Future Coastwise Approvals
The outcome of this review could influence how future requests to use foreign-built small passenger vessels (carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire) in U.S. coastwise trade are decided. That could affect future approvals or the standards MARAD applies when assessing adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise businesses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18501, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V WHAT'S NEXT II
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V WHAT'S NEXT II, 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. If you have thoughts, now’s the time to speak up before a final decision is made!
Next: 2025-18503, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V JENNIFER MAY
MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V JENNIFER MAY, can be used for U.S. coastal trips. They want to hear from people who think this might hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses before making a decision. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run small passenger vessels along U.S. shores, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!