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119-hr-665119th CongressWALLET

Noncontiguous Shipping Competition Act

Sponsored By: Representative Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

In Committee

Summary

Conditional exemption from coastwise laws for noncontiguous shipping routes. This bill amends 46 U.S.C. 55101(b) to add an exemption for carriage on routes in noncontiguous trade as defined in 46 U.S.C. 53501. The exemption applies only when at least three coastwise-qualified vessel owners or operators regularly operate vessels on the route, none are under common ownership, and each transports at least 20 percent of the route's goods.

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  • Coastwise-qualified vessel owners and operators: Can qualify for the exemption if three or more independent owners or operators regularly serve the route and each carries at least 20 percent of its cargo.
  • Noncontiguous trade routes and shippers: Routes defined under 46 U.S.C. 53501 may be treated as exempt from coastwise restrictions only when the multi-operator and non-affiliated ownership thresholds are met.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More competition on noncontiguous shipping routes

This bill would let non-coastwise ships carry goods on some noncontiguous routes. The exemption would not apply if all three are true: at least three coastwise‑qualified owners regularly run on the route; each carries at least 20% of the goods; and none share common ownership. If those tests are met, current coastwise rules would stay. If not, more operators could serve the route and competition could rise.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

    GU • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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