Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Loon
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a special boat called M/V Loon, which was made in another country, carry people around — up to twelve at a time — on U.S. waters. They want people to say if this is a good idea or if it might cause problems for those who build boats here or use American-made boats for their businesses.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is considering a request regarding the use of a foreign-built vessel, named M/V Loon, for carrying up to 12 passengers in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD is seeking public comments to help decide if this would negatively impact U.S. shipbuilders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Public feedback is open until May 23, 2025, and comments can be submitted through various methods detailed in the document. Personal information included in the comments will be publicly accessible, and commenters can request confidential treatment for certain commercial information.
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 in discussion is a notice from the Maritime Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, which seeks public input on a proposal to use a foreign-built vessel named M/V Loon for carrying passengers in the U.S. coastwise trade. The request is specifically for the vessel to carry no more than 12 passengers. MARAD is soliciting public comments to determine if this would negatively affect U.S. shipbuilders or businesses engaged in coastwise trade with vessels built in the United States. Stakeholders and interested parties have until May 23, 2025, to submit their comments through various channels provided, with the assurance that these comments will be publicly accessible. However, commenters can request that particular commercially sensitive information be treated confidentially.
General Summary
The notice outlines MARAD's responsibility to evaluate the coastwise use of foreign-built vessels like the M/V Loon and calls for public involvement in this decision-making process. The participation of the public is crucial as it informs MARAD’s determination on whether the proposed use will unfavorably impact U.S. shipbuilding businesses and those who utilize U.S.-built vessels for similar trade purposes.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue with the document is the lack of detailed information regarding the specific operations intended for M/V Loon. This detail is critical for stakeholders to adequately assess potential impacts and provide informed feedback. Additionally, the document does not include a financial or economic analysis concerning the implications of integrating foreign-built vessels into U.S. coastwise trade. Such information could help stakeholders better understand the broader economic consequences of the decision.
Furthermore, the mechanism for submitting confidential comments is complex and may require clarification. The process could benefit from simpler language to ensure that participants clearly understand how to protect commercially sensitive information. Lastly, the document does not articulate specific criteria or methods that MARAD will use to assess potential impacts on U.S. vessel builders or businesses. Clearly defined criteria would enhance transparency and ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
The document's impact on the public is primarily procedural, as it involves contributing comments and opinions to a federal decision-making process. For the general public, this process enhances transparency and civic engagement in maritime policy alterations.
For stakeholders, such as U.S. shipbuilders and businesses utilizing coastwise trade, the document represents a potential shift in the competitive landscape. The use of foreign-built vessels in U.S. trade could alter market dynamics, potentially leading to economic challenges for domestic shipbuilders who might face increased competition. Conversely, allowing such usage could benefit service operators seeking cost-effective options and consumers by potentially reducing the cost of maritime passenger services.
Overall, the document's proposals could have mixed consequences, with potential benefits making services more affordable and accessible, while also posing competitive threats to domestic industry players. The public comment period provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns or support for the proposed use of the M/V Loon in U.S. coastwise trade.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact nature of the proposed service of the vessel M/V Loon. More detailed information about the vessel's operation could help assess potential impacts.
• There is no explicit mention of any financial or economic analysis regarding the potential impact of allowing foreign-built vessels in coastwise trade, which could aid in understanding broader implications.
• The language regarding submission of confidential comments is somewhat complex. It may benefit from more clarity on the process and implications of submitting confidential information.
• The document does not outline any specific criteria or methodology MARAD will use to assess whether there is an undue adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or businesses. Clear criteria could help ensure a transparent and consistent evaluation process.