M/V Halve Maan II: Foreign Vessel Seeks US Trade Waiver
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Halve Maan II, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels, so they want to hear from the public by February 17, 2026. If approved, this could open doors for new boat services but might shake up the local boat-building scene.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Risk to U.S. Boat Builders
MARAD is considering allowing the foreign-built M/V Halve Maan II to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 passengers. MARAD specifically asks whether this use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels; the public may comment by February 17, 2026.
Possible New Small-Boat Services
If approved, the foreign-built M/V Halve Maan II could operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers and may enable new small passenger boat services. MARAD is soliciting public comment on this request, with comments due by February 17, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00745, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) updated some names on its sanctions lists to fix errors and keep things clear. These changes affect people and companies already on the watchlist, making sure the info is accurate and up-to-date. The updates took effect on January 8, 2026, helping keep sanctions sharp and effective without changing who’s targeted or frozen.
Next: 2026-00747, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Koukla
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V Koukla, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until February 17, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.