Mambo Passenger Vessel Seeks U.S. Trade Exemption
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V MAMBO, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and local businesses, so they want to hear from the public by August 17, 2026. If approved, it might shake up the small passenger vessel scene but won’t cost taxpayers directly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built vessel may compete with U.S. builders
The Maritime Administration is considering whether to allow the foreign-built M/V MAMBO to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for public comments (due August 17, 2026) on whether this would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. If approved, the foreign-built vessel could compete with U.S. boat builders and operators in the small passenger vessel market.
Approval would not cost taxpayers directly
The notice states that allowing the foreign-built vessel to operate in coastwise trade would not cost taxpayers directly. The agency is soliciting public input on competitive effects but says there is no direct taxpayer expense tied to the approval process.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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