Federal Register #MARAD-2026-0728

Proposed MARAD procedures for deepwater port application processing and licensing

MARAD proposes rules for licensing deepwater ports for oil and natural gas beyond state seaward boundaries. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Maritime Administration (MARAD), Office of Deepwater Port Licensing and Port Conveyance. - Proposed service: Deepwater port application processing and licensing, including application review and leadership of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). No quantity or part number is specified. - Agency responsibilities: MARAD would lead application processing and licensing; the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) would retain responsibility for port design, construction, equipment, operations, and navigational safety. - Notable requirements: The proposal retains a $350,000 nonrefundable application fee and applicant reimbursement of government processing costs. Certain existing survey data collected within five years may be used, and fewer application copies would be required. - No products, OEMs, vendors, or contract performance period are identified.

Description

The Maritime Administration proposes procedures for processing applications for deepwater port licenses. The proposal transfers application-processing management under the Deepwater Port Act from the U.S. Coast Guard to MARAD, which will serve as the federal lead agency for NEPA reviews. USCG responsibilities for deepwater port design, construction, equipment, operation, and navigational safety remain unchanged. Comments are due January 4, 2027.

View original listing