Title 46 › Subtitle V — Merchant Marine › Part E — Control of Merchant Marine Capabilities › CHAPTER 565 — ESSENTIAL VESSELS AFFECTED BY NEUTRALITY ACT › § 56503
An adjustment or arrangement must stop the requirement that a vessel be used in foreign trade under any subsidy contract, mortgage, or similar agreement, and it must stop the vessel’s right to an operating-differential subsidy. The Secretary of Transportation may also, when appropriate, allow measures such as laying the vessel up with the government paying necessary costs or a fixed allowance; postponing or rearranging government loan principal payments for up to the lay-up period; postponing or canceling interest during lay-up; extending the 20-year service-life limit and related rules for the lay-up period; or temporarily using the vessel in an emergency under approved terms. When the arrangement ends, the owner must pay the Secretary any net profits earned during the arrangement that exceed 10 percent per year on the capital used in the business, to reimburse postponed or canceled obligations and expenses. A vessel laid up or operated under the arrangement counts as part of that capital, and the Secretary may require such a vessel as security for repayment.
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Legislative History
Reference
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 56503
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110