Coastwise Trade Waiver Sought for Foreign-Built Ferry
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V PORTS-NORTH, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until August 19, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good or bad move.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Built Boat May Enter Coastwise Trade
The Maritime Administration is asking whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V PORTS-NORTH should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 paying passengers. MARAD is seeking public comments on whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. Comments must be submitted by August 19, 2026.
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.
2026-18074, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V FRANCIS
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-18081, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V EPONA
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-18075, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LAGERTHA
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-18077, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V MIDLIFE CRISIS
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
2026-18079, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V NALU
The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by MARAD, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built; certain U.S. built; and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.- built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14520, Minnesota Northern Railroad, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Norman and Polk Counties, Minn.
Minnesota Northern Railroad is planning to stop using about 11 miles of rail track in Norman and Polk Counties, Minnesota, because no trains have run there in two years. This change affects local communities and employees, who will get job protections. If no one steps up to save the line by August 19, 2026, the railroad can officially close it.
Next: 2026-14522, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Scallop Shack Farms wants special permission to try new fishing methods that don’t follow some usual rules, aiming to make scallop and tilefish trips more efficient. This affects federally permitted fishing vessels and could change how they fish, possibly saving time and fuel. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts before a final decision is made.