Boat Hampton Asks for Rare Coastal Trade OK
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BOAT HAMPTON, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until June 22, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts on this trade change!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built boat may compete with U.S. builders
MARAD is asking whether the foreign-built small passenger boat M/V BOAT HAMPTON should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. If MARAD approves this foreign-built vessel (the class allowed is small passenger vessels that carry no more than 12 passengers for hire), U.S. vessel builders and U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels could face competitive harm. Comments on potential adverse effects are due by June 22, 2026.
Foreign-built small vessels can seek coastwise endorsement
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), a small passenger vessel that carries no more than 12 passengers for hire can receive a U.S. coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD, after notice and comment, determines the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. MARAD has received a determination request for the M/V BOAT HAMPTON and is soliciting comments to help make that determination.
How to comment and confidentiality rules
Interested parties may submit comments on the request for the M/V BOAT HAMPTON at regulations.gov or by mail; comments must be received by June 22, 2026, should state the commenter's interest, and demonstrate with supporting documentation any undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. All comments will be posted publicly unless you request confidential commercial treatment by emailing MARAD with the subject 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information', and FOIA procedures will apply.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-10326 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BLACK PAPAYA
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2026-10328 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CARPE DIEM
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10326 — Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BLACK PAPAYA
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V BLACK PAPAYA, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good move or not.
Next: 2026-10328 — Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CARPE DIEM
The government is considering letting the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V CARPE DIEM operate in U.S. coastal trade, which usually requires U.S.-built ships. This affects businesses that use U.S.-built vessels and could change who gets to run these passenger services. People have until June 22, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.