# Federal Register #MARAD-2026-1486

Request for Comments on Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel M/V KUDU in U.S. Coastwise Trade

**Buyer:** Maritime Administration
**Posted:** September 28, 2026
**Respond By:** October 28, 2026
**Identifier:** MARAD-2026-1486
**NAICS:** 483114

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on a request to use the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V KUDU in U.S. coastwise trade.
- Government Buyer:
  - Department of Transportation (DOT)
  - Maritime Administration (MARAD)
- Vessel Details:
  - M/V KUDU is a foreign-built small passenger vessel
  - Proposed for use in U.S. coastwise trade (carrying up to twelve passengers for hire)
- Request Purpose:
  - MARAD is authorized to determine eligibility of foreign-built vessels for coastwise trade
  - Soliciting input on whether this use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses operating U.S.-built vessels
- No OEMs, vendors, products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified
- Unique Requirement:
  - Public comment is requested to inform MARAD's regulatory determination
  - Supplementary information about the vessel and its proposed service is available in the docket

### Description

The Secretary of Transportation, represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), 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 M/V KUDU and is soliciting public comments to assess whether the proposed use 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, with details about the vessel and proposed service available in the supplementary information section. The comment period closes on October 28, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/28/2026-19800/request-notice-use-of-foreign-built-small-passenger-vessel-in-united-states-coastwise-trade-mv-kudu)