Feds Form Arctic Shipping Advisory Committee, Seek Members

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.

2026-18438, Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Information Collection: Application To Participate in the Voluntary Tanker Agreement

MARAD invites public comments on its intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0505 (Application to Participate in the Voluntary Tanker Agreement) is used to determine capacity commitments by participants in the event the Agreement is activated to meet the essential need for the transportation of petroleum and petroleum products in bulk by sea. Minor changes are being made to the form for this collection to improve clarity and ensure consistency with program operations. MARAD is required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

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.

2026-18075, 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.

2026-18074, 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.

2026-18078, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V American Honey

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: 2026-14961, Agency Information Collection Request: OPM E-File System (3206-NEW)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is launching a new online system where people can easily file and track their appeals about job and pay issues. This change affects anyone dealing with OPM appeals and aims to make the process faster and simpler. Comments on this new system are open until August 24, 2026, and OPM updated its estimates to better reflect the workload involved.

Next: 2026-14963, Deepwater Port License Application: ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project-Final Environmental Impact Statement

The ST LNG company wants to build a deepwater port off the coast of Texas to export a lot of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries around the world. The government studied how this project might affect the environment and is now deciding whether to approve it, approve it with conditions, or reject it. This project could start soon and involves millions of dollars, impacting local communities and global energy trade.