Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Lexington
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people to say if a big boat built in another country would hurt businesses that build or use boats made in the USA. They want to know what everyone thinks by May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation has received a request to determine whether a foreign-built small passenger vessel can be used in U.S. coastwise trade without negatively impacting U.S. shipbuilders and businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. The notice seeks public comments to assess if this use would harm U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade. Comments can be submitted through various methods until May 23, 2025, and should include specific information about the request's potential adverse effects on U.S. interests. Public comments, including any personal information provided, will be made available online.
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 is a formal notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation. It concerns a request to assess if a foreign-built small passenger vessel can be used in the U.S. coastwise trade without negatively affecting U.S. shipbuilders and businesses that utilize U.S.-built vessels. The notice solicits public feedback on whether such usage might harm domestic maritime industries, with comments accepted until May 23, 2025.
Summary of the Document
The primary purpose of the document is to inform the public of a request received by MARAD and to invite feedback on the use of a foreign-built vessel, namely the M/V Lexington, in coastwise trade — a term that generally refers to trade conducted along a single country's coast. The invitation to comment is significant as it forms part of the public participation process, allowing stakeholders and the general populace to express any concerns or support for the potential market entry of this vessel.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document's content:
Lack of Specific Vessel Information: The document does not provide detailed information about the vessel in question or its intended use. This makes it difficult for the public to assess the potential impact on U.S. shipbuilders or coastwise trade businesses and, consequently, to provide well-informed comments.
Complex Legal References: The footnote contains statutory references that may not be easily understood by individuals without a legal background. This could hinder the general public's understanding of the legal framework governing the issue.
Unclear Criteria for 'Undue Adverse Effect': The notice lacks clarity on the criteria MARAD will use to determine whether the foreign-built vessel's operation will have an "undue adverse effect" on U.S. stakeholders.
Insufficient Summary of Key Request Points: The document directs readers to a specific docket number for further details, without providing a succinct summary of the request's key elements within the notice itself, which could impede quick comprehension.
Confidential Comments Process: While the document mentions the option to submit confidential comments, it does not clearly outline the process for reviewing such confidentiality claims, particularly what qualifies as "commercially confidential" information.
Impact on the Public
The potential impact on the public depends largely on how this issue evolves. If the foreign-built vessel is allowed to operate without negatively affecting U.S. businesses, it could lead to increased competition and possibly lower costs for consumers if efficiencies are passed on. Conversely, if allowing such vessels undermines U.S. shipbuilders or coastwise businesses, it could lead to job losses or reduced economic activity in the maritime sector.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
U.S. Shipbuilders and Maritime Businesses: These groups may face economic challenges if the foreign-built vessel is permitted to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade, possibly diminishing their market share.
Foreign Vessel Operators: Allowing foreign-built vessels to operate could open new markets and economic opportunities for international operators interested in U.S. trade.
Regulatory Authorities: Agencies like MARAD and the Coast Guard must balance commercial interests with protecting domestic industries, involving complex regulatory considerations.
In conclusion, while the document serves as an essential step in the regulatory process, the lack of detailed information and clear criteria for evaluating the request poses challenges for meaningful public involvement. The implications of this notice could have significant repercussions, particularly for domestic shipping industries competing with foreign-built vessels.
Issues
• There is no specific information provided about the requestor's vessel in the main text, which could make it difficult for the public to assess the vessel's impact on U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses. This may limit the ability for informed comments to be provided.
• The footnote in the text provides statutory references but lacks context or explanation of how these might be relevant to stakeholders who are not familiar with legal terminology.
• The document does not specify which criteria MARAD uses for determining if the use of a foreign-built vessel has an 'undue adverse effect' on U.S. vessel builders, leading to potential ambiguity.
• The document refers to a specific docket number for further information without summarizing the key points of the request within the notice itself, potentially making it difficult for quick comprehension.
• While there is a provision for submitting confidential comments, the specific process for how such confidentiality is reviewed or approved is not clearly detailed, especially regarding what constitutes 'commercially confidential' information.