Federal Register #MARAD-2026-0763

Request for Public Comment on Use of Foreign-Built Passenger Vessel in U.S. Coastwise Trade

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public input on a request to use the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V LEARNING CURVES in U.S. coastwise trade. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) - Purpose of Notice: - Soliciting public comments on the potential impact of allowing a foreign-built vessel to operate in U.S. coastwise trade - Focus on whether this would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels - Vessel Involved: - S/V LEARNING CURVES (foreign-built small passenger vessel) - No OEMs, vendors, products, or part numbers are specified - No direct procurement of goods or services is involved; this is a request for information and public comment only - Notable Requirement: - MARAD is authorized to make determinations for vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire in coastwise trade - Place of Performance/Contact: - Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590

Description

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is authorized to make determinations regarding the coastwise use of foreign built, certain U.S. built, and U.S. and foreign rebuilt vessels that carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received a determination request for the vessel S/V LEARNING CURVES and is soliciting public comments to assess whether the proposed use of this vessel would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Comments are requested to assist in this determination and must be submitted by June 22, 2026.

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