Surf's Up? MARAD Eyes Foreign 'Nalu' for U.S. Waters
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
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Built 12-Passenger Vessel Review
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V NALU (authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire) to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is asking for public comments to help determine whether that use would have an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses. Comments are due by October 5, 2026 and must identify the vessel and show supporting documentation of adverse effect.
How to Submit Confidential Comments
If you want MARAD to treat your comment as commercially confidential, email it to [email protected] with the subject line "Contains Confidential Commercial Information" and explain why the material is confidential. All other comments (including your name and contact details) will be posted publicly in the DOT docket; the deadline to submit comments is October 5, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-18080, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V ROULEUR
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.