MARAD Renews Data Collection on Financed Ocean Cargo
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info on ocean shipments funded by the Export-Import Bank to track shipping data and make sure rules are followed. If you’re involved in these shipments or just curious, you can share your thoughts by February 23, 2026. This helps keep the process smooth without adding extra hassle or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Monthly and Annual Shipping Reports
If you are an Export-Import (EXIM) Bank loan or certain loan guarantee recipient (or a designated representative such as a contractor, ocean transportation intermediary, or supplier), you must submit monthly and annual shipping reports to MARAD. The agency estimates 30 respondents will file 390 responses total, at 0.5 hours per response, for an annual burden of 195 hours; comments are due by February 23, 2026.
Compliance Monitoring for Cargo Preference
MARAD will continue using the collected shipment information to monitor compliance with cargo preference laws (PR 17 and 46 U.S.C. 55304) and to compile annual EXIM Bank shipment statistics that form the basis for annual reviews and determinations. The collection is described as necessary for MARAD to fulfill its legislative monitoring responsibilities.
Assistance Finding U.S.-Flag Vessels
MARAD intends to use collected shipment information as part of a Transparency Initiative to help EXIM Bank shippers find suitable U.S.-flag vessels and to assist in resolving requests for certifications of vessel non-availability, and to provide an informal grievance procedure when cargo preference questions arise.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2025-23727, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Request for Transfer of Ownership, Registry, and Flag, or Charter, Lease, or Mortgage of U.S. Citizen Owned Documented Vessels
The Maritime Administration wants to keep collecting info when U.S. citizens transfer ownership, registry, or flag of their documented vessels. This helps make sure vessels follow U.S. flag rules. If you own or work with these boats, your feedback is welcome before February 23, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to help improve the process!
Next: 2025-23729, Request for Comments on the Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Regulations for Making Excess or Surplus Federal Property Available to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, State Maritime Academies and Non-Profit Maritime Training Facilities
The Maritime Administration wants your thoughts on updating rules that help give extra government property to U.S. Merchant Marine and State Maritime Academies, plus nonprofit maritime training groups. They’re adding a new form for donating historic federal property and need public feedback by February 23, 2026. This update keeps the process smooth and clear without adding extra costs or delays.