Viking Vibe? 'Lagertha' Boat Seeks U.S. Coastal Trading Greenlight
Published Date: 9/3/2026
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: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible Impact on U.S. Vessel Builders
MARAD received a request about allowing the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LAGERTHA to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking whether that proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b).
Public Comment Opportunity and Deadlines
You may submit comments about the M/V LAGERTHA request to DOT Docket No. MARAD-2026-1392 by October 5, 2026. Comments will be posted publicly on regulations.gov, but you may request that MARAD treat parts of a submission as confidential commercial information by emailing the agency.
Eligibility Rule for Small Passenger Vessels
Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), a small passenger vessel that carries no more than 12 passengers for hire may receive a U.S. coastwise trade endorsement if MARAD determines, after notice and comment, that the vessel's use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that employ U.S.-built vessels. MARAD published this notice as part of that determination process for the M/V LAGERTHA.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-18076, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LA TRIBILINA
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.