Maritime Administration Seeks Public Comment on Foreign-Built Passenger Vessel Use in U.S. Coastwise Trade
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a notice requesting public comments regarding the potential use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel, the M/V LADY J, in U.S. coastwise trade. This action is in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), which authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise trade endorsement for eligible small passenger vessels. However, this can only occur if MARAD determines, after public comment, that such use will not negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or existing U.S. coastwise trade businesses that utilize U.S.-built vessels. The request for comments is part of MARAD's process to assess any undue adverse effects this could have on domestic industries. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments by October 28, 2026, providing supporting documentation to demonstrate any potential adverse effects.
