M/V ODYSSEY's Bold Bid for American Waters Trade
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V ODYSSEY, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by February 9, 2026, before making a decision. This could open doors for new boats but also affects local shipbuilders and operators.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential harm to U.S. shipbuilders
MARAD is soliciting comments on whether using the foreign-built M/V ODYSSEY in coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or on coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. The agency will use comments (due February 9, 2026) to determine if that proposed use would be unduly adverse to those U.S. builders and businesses.
Foreign-built vessel could operate coastwise
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V ODYSSEY to be used in U.S. coastwise trade if it carries no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD will consider public comments submitted by February 9, 2026, when deciding whether to permit that use.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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