Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V FLIPSIDE
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called M/V FLIPSIDE should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses that use American-made boats. Comments are due by March 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel may hurt U.S. shipbuilders
If you are a U.S. vessel builder or run a U.S. coastwise trade business that uses U.S.-built boats, MARAD is asking for comments by March 2, 2026 on whether allowing the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V FLIPSIDE (a vessel that would carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) to operate in U.S. coastwise trade would have an undue adverse effect on your business. MARAD will use submitted evidence to decide whether the proposed use would harm U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01859, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CHANGE ORDER
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V CHANGE ORDER, for U.S. coastwise trade. This affects businesses that operate U.S.-built vessels carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. Comments are due by March 2, 2026, and the decision will consider if this use harms U.S. shipbuilders or local trade.
Next: 2026-01861, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V LUNA CAT
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V LUNA CAT, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. If you want to share your opinion, make sure to comment by March 2, 2026!