Federal Register #MARAD-2026-1255

MARAD Requests Public Comment on Use of Foreign-Built Passenger Vessel M/V NIT WITS in U.S. Coastwise Trade

This opportunity concerns a request for public comment on the use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel in U.S. coastwise trade: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) - Subject Vessel: - M/V NIT WITS (foreign-built small passenger vessel) - Authorized to carry no more than twelve passengers for hire - Purpose: - MARAD is seeking public input to determine if allowing the M/V NIT WITS to operate in U.S. coastwise trade would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels - Notable Requirements: - No products or services are being procured - The notice is a request for information and public comment, not a solicitation for goods or services - Focus is on the potential impact to the domestic maritime industry - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned other than the vessel M/V NIT WITS - Products/Services: - No products or services requested; this is an eligibility and impact determination process

Description

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, has received a request for a determination regarding the coastwise use of a foreign-built small passenger vessel named M/V NIT WITS. This vessel is authorized to carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD 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 help determine the impact on the domestic maritime industry.

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