Federal Register #MARAD-2026-1189

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

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on a request to use the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V THE BRASS RING in U.S. coastwise trade. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Maritime Administration (MARAD) - Purpose: - Soliciting public input on the potential use of a foreign-built vessel for carrying up to twelve passengers for hire in U.S. waters - Vessel in Question: - M/V THE BRASS RING (foreign-built small passenger vessel) - Key Requirements: - MARAD must determine if allowing this vessel would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. businesses operating U.S.-built vessels in coastwise trade - No procurement of products or services; this is an information-gathering and regulatory assessment - No OEMs, vendors, products, or part numbers are specified in this notice - Unique Requirement: - Evaluation centers on potential adverse impacts to the U.S. maritime industry, not on acquisition of goods or services

Description

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is authorized to determine the coastwise use of foreign-built and certain U.S. built vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received a request for such a determination regarding the vessel M/V THE BRASS RING and is soliciting public comments to assess whether the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are requested to assist in this determination and must be submitted by September 4, 2026.

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