Feds Update Rules for Gifting Surplus Ships to Maritime Schools
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Justify Need for Surplus Property
If you are a maritime training institution (the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a State Maritime Academy, or a nonprofit maritime training facility), you must provide a statement of need/justification before acquiring excess or surplus federal property using the MARAD information collection (OMB Control Number 2133-0504). MARAD estimates 40 respondents, 360 total responses, 1–4 hours per response, and 360 total annual burden hours.
New Form for Historical Property Donations
MARAD will add a new form, MA-1073C "Agreement for Donation of Federal Property for Historical Purposes," to the existing information collection (OMB 2133-0504). The new form will be used by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, State Maritime Academies, and nonprofit maritime training facilities when donating historic federal property.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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