Meet Luminosity, the Foreign-Built Boat Seeking U.S. Coastal Trade
Published Date: 10/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is reviewing a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LUMINOSITY to operate in U.S. coastal trade, carrying up to 12 passengers. They want your thoughts by November 23, 2026, to decide if this will hurt American shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built boats. If approved, this could open new waters for the vessel without impacting costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-built 12‑passenger vessel seeks U.S. coastwise access
MARAD received a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LUMINOSITY to engage in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), if MARAD determines the proposed use will not adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses, the U.S. Coast Guard may issue a coastwise trade endorsement permitting operation in coastwise trade.
Comment window for affected businesses and stakeholders
Interested parties, including U.S. vessel builders and businesses that use U.S.-built vessels, may submit comments and supporting documentation about undue adverse effects on or before November 23, 2026 (DOT Docket Number MARAD-2026-1717). Comments should state the vessel name, the commenter's interest, and demonstrate with evidence how the proposed use would unduly harm U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
Option to submit confidential commercial information
Commenters may request MARAD treat parts of their submissions as confidential commercial information by emailing [email protected] with the subject line 'Contains Confidential Commercial Information' and explaining the basis. MARAD will follow Department FOIA procedures (49 CFR 7.29) if a FOIA request is received for submitted information.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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