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
2026-09579, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V ALOLKOY
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V ALOLKOY, 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, so they want to make sure it won’t hurt local jobs or trade. You have until June 15, 2026, to share your opinion—no cost changes yet, just a chance to weigh in!
2026-09552, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V ALDEBARAN
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V ALDEBARAN, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-09547, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MISS APALACHICOLA
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V MISS APALACHICOLA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from the public by June 12, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt U.S. boat builders or businesses. If approved, this could open new travel options but might shake up the local boat market.
2026-09551, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CALAIS
The Maritime Administration is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V CALAIS, operate in U.S. coastal waters. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your opinion before a final decision is made.
2026-09550, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V DAMA LINDO
The Maritime Administration is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V DAMA LINDO, can be used for U.S. coastal trips without hurting American boat builders or businesses. They want your thoughts by June 12, 2026, before making a decision. If approved, this could open doors for new boat services but might shake up the local boat industry.
2026-09549, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V DEVINE SAILING
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V DEVINE SAILING, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until June 12, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts or concerns!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07190, Notice of Request for Additional Information
The Federal Maritime Commission has hit pause on a big shipping agreement update involving major global shipping companies. They’ve asked for more info before the changes can go live, giving everyone 15 days to share their thoughts. This means the planned update is delayed, but no extra costs or deadlines have been set yet.
Next: 2026-07192, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V THE SALTY LADY
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel, S/V THE SALTY LADY, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. Comments are open until May 14, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts before then!