# Federal Register #MARAD-2026-1717

MARAD Seeks Comments on Coastwise-Use Requests for Two Small Passenger Vessels

**Buyer:** Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
**Posted:** October 23, 2026
**Respond By:** November 23, 2026
**Identifier:** MARAD-2026-1717

MARAD is seeking public input on coastwise-use eligibility requests for two foreign-built small passenger vessels.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD).
- **Vessels and requests:** M/V LUMINOSITY (docket MARAD-2026-1717) and S/V STARCHASER II (docket MARAD-2026-1718), each described as a foreign-built small passenger vessel carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire.
- **Purpose:** MARAD will consider whether the vessels’ proposed coastwise use could adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise-trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Details of the proposed operations are in the respective docketed requests.
- **Procurement status:** This is a request for public comments, not a solicitation to buy products or services. No OEMs or commercial vendors are identified.

### Description

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) received a request for a determination regarding the proposed coastwise use of the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V LUMINOSITY. MARAD is soliciting comments to determine whether the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Details about the vessel and proposed service are available in the determination request in DOT docket MARAD-2026-1717. Comments are due November 23, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/23/2026-21642/request-notice-use-of-foreign-built-small-passenger-vessel-in-united-states-coastwise-trade-mv)