# Federal Register #MARAD-2026-1651

MARAD Requests Comments on Coastwise Use of Foreign-Built M/V FUN-SEAS

**Buyer:** Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
**Posted:** October 08, 2026
**Respond By:** November 10, 2026
**Identifier:** MARAD-2026-1651

The Maritime Administration is seeking public comments on the proposed coastwise-trade use of the foreign-built passenger vessel M/V FUN-SEAS.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD).
- **Request:** Comments on MARAD’s eligibility determination for M/V FUN-SEAS to operate in U.S. coastwise trade; this is a public-comment notice, not a procurement.
- **Vessel and capacity:** M/V FUN-SEAS (also styled FUNSEAS), a foreign-built small passenger vessel authorized to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire.
- **Key consideration:** MARAD will assess possible adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise-trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels.
- **Docket:** MARAD-2026-1651. The attachment also begins a separate notice regarding M/V BACK OFF but provides no further details about that request.
- **Products, OEMs, and vendors:** No products are requested, and no vessel manufacturer, OEM, or commercial vendor is identified.

### Description

MARAD received a request for a determination concerning the proposed coastwise use of the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V FUN-SEAS. The agency is soliciting 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. The notice concerns vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire; details about the vessel and its proposed service are referenced in the determination request in the docket. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20586/request-notice-use-of-foreign-built-small-passenger-vessel-in-united-states-coastwise-trade-mv)