Can Foreign 'Pipe Dream' Boat Sail U.S. Coasts?
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is checking if the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V PIPE DREAM can be used for U.S. coastwise trade without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They’re asking for public comments by May 14, 2026, to help decide. This could open new opportunities for small passenger services while protecting U.S. maritime jobs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built Vessel May Hurt U.S. Builders
If you run a U.S. shipyard or a coastwise passenger business that uses U.S.-built vessels, MARAD is deciding whether to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V PIPE DREAM to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will determine under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) whether allowing the vessel (which would carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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