Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people what they think about letting a special kind of boat from another country, called "M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER," give rides to people along the U.S. coast. They want to know if this could be bad for boat makers in the U.S. or those who use U.S.-made boats to do the same thing.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation has published a notice seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-built small passenger vessel, "M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER," in U.S. coastwise trade. This type of trade typically involves domestic shipping routes. The vessel would carry up to 12 passengers, and MARAD aims to determine if its proposed use would negatively affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are open until May 23, 2025, and details on how to submit them are available on the regulations website or by mail.
Abstract
The Secretary of Transportation, as 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 solely carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received such a determination request and is publishing this notice to solicit comments to assist with determining whether the proposed use of the vessel set forth in the request would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels in those businesses. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a description of the proposed service, is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, published in the Federal Register. This notice seeks public comments on a proposal to allow a foreign-built small passenger vessel, named "M/V LA FEMME DE LA MER," to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade, which involves domestic maritime routes. The vessel's carrying capacity is capped at 12 passengers, and MARAD is attempting to assess whether its use might negatively impact U.S. shipbuilders or businesses utilizing U.S.-built ships. The deadline for public comments is May 23, 2025, and submissions can be made online or by mail.
Summary and Issues
The central issue at the heart of this notice is the potential adverse impact the use of a foreign-built vessel might have on domestic shipbuilders and businesses that rely on U.S.-built vessels. The document's primary objective is to gather public feedback to inform MARAD's decision-making process. However, it does not clearly outline the specific criteria used to assess what constitutes an "adverse effect," which leaves the door open for varied interpretations and potential confusion among the public and stakeholders.
Moreover, the document provides limited information about the requestor or the exact details of the ship in question. This lack of specificity might hinder the ability of interested parties to offer fully informed opinions, which could diminish the quality of the feedback MARAD receives. Additionally, the notice vaguely describes the procedures for determining commercial confidentiality and for integrating public comments into the final decision, which may reduce transparency and trust in the regulatory process.
Public Impact
For the general public, the implications of this notice may seem somewhat remote, as the document pertains to regulatory considerations within the maritime industry. However, it does highlight a broader concern about the role of foreign-built vessels in U.S. trade, reflecting on issues related to economic competition, domestic industry protection, and regulatory fairness.
Regulation of such practices influences factors such as consumer choices and service availability, which may tangentially impact regional economies where these vessels operate. For example, if the operation of foreign-built vessels is restricted, it could result in fewer competitive options, potentially increasing costs or reducing service quality for passengers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. shipbuilders and businesses that rely on domestic vessels, this notice could signal a pivotal moment. The approval of foreign-built ships in U.S. waters could introduce more competition, potentially undercutting prices and impacting profit margins for these stakeholders. This could lead to broader economic consequences, such as job losses or diminished investments in shipbuilding infrastructure.
Conversely, foreign shipbuilders and owners of the vessel in question stand to benefit from access to the lucrative U.S. coastwise trade market. Allowing them entry could foster innovation, diversity of service, and competitive pricing, potentially enriching consumer experiences and choices.
Overall, this document serves as a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders, governmental bodies, and the public to weigh in on a decision that might shape the future landscape of U.S. coastwise trade. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input that thoroughly considers the economic and regulatory nuances of this issue.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact nature of the adverse effects being assessed, potentially leaving room for ambiguity in interpretations of what might affect U.S. vessel builders or businesses.
• The process for determining commercial confidentiality and the criteria for granting such requests are not clearly outlined, which can lead to uncertainty among stakeholders.
• The notice lacks specific information on the identity of the requestor or the detailed particulars of the vessel in question, which limits public ability to provide fully informed comments.
• The procedures for how public comments are integrated into the decision-making process are not described in detail, which might reduce transparency and trust in the process.
• Instructions on how to submit confidential comments are somewhat complex, requiring specific email subject headings and justifications, which could be cumbersome for some commenters.