Marad Solicits Comments on Malia Foreign Vessel US Trade Waiver
Published Date: 8/5/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Foreign-Built 12-Passenger Vessel Review
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built vessel M/V MALIA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is asking for public comments to help decide whether allowing this use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.
Public Posting of Comments
If you submit a comment on docket MARAD-2026-1194, MARAD will post your entire comment, including personal identifying information, to regulations.gov. Comments must be submitted by September 4, 2026 and will be made publicly available without change.
Commercial Confidentiality Option Available
Businesses may request that MARAD treat submitted comments as commercially confidential by emailing MARAD with the subject 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' or 'Contains CCI' and explaining the basis. MARAD notes that only information ultimately determined confidential under FOIA procedures will be exempt from public disclosure.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-15895, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V BUCKET LIST
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.
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