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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12547, Tanker Security Program
The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.
2026-19800, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V KUDU
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V KUDU, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could impact U.S. boat builders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are open until October 28, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!
2026-19794, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V NAIAD
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V NAIAD, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If you have opinions, send them in by October 28, 2026!
2026-19793, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V SUZIE MANUELA
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the S/V SUZIE MANUELA, should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision could affect U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using American-made vessels. Comments are due by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19786, Capital Construction Fund Revision; Correction
The Maritime Administration fixed a small mistake in its recent Capital Construction Fund (CCF) update notice. This correction clarifies the paperwork rules and confirms the $2,160 yearly cost for applicants using the CCF program. If you’re involved in maritime construction funding, this update keeps things clear and on track starting September 28, 2026.
2026-19799, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V MY OFFICE
The U.S. Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel called S/V MY OFFICE should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects businesses using U.S.-built vessels and could impact the local shipbuilding industry. Comments are due by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
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.