Can Foreign-Built 'ZELEE' Sail US Coasts? Public Weighs In
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V ZELEE, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until March 20, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel Request
MARAD is considering a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V ZELEE to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The request concerns vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire and could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments are requested by March 20, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03190 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V VINDICATED
The government is thinking about letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V VINDICATED, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. They want to hear from people by March 20, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels. If you care about local shipbuilding or coastal tours, now’s the time to speak up!
Next: 2026-03192 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LIFE OF RILEY
The Maritime Administration is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LIFE OF RILEY can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American shipbuilders or businesses. They want your thoughts by March 20, 2026, before making a decision. This could open doors for new boats but might shake up the local shipbuilding scene.