Overview
Title
Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V Thormax
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know if a foreign-made boat called the M/V Thormax can carry up to twelve people for business in U.S. waters without hurting American boat makers or businesses. They're asking people to share their opinions and concerns about this by May 23, 2025.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation is requesting public comments on the use of a foreign-built vessel, the M/V Thormax, for carrying up to twelve passengers for hire in U.S. coastwise trade. They want to determine if this usage could negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels. Individuals and businesses are invited to submit comments on this potential impact by May 23, 2025. Comments should mention the vessel's name, the commenter's interest, and any detailed evidence supporting concerns about negative effects.
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 from the Federal Register is a public notice issued by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It seeks public comments on a request by a non-U.S.-built vessel, named M/V Thormax, to operate in U.S. coastwise trade—a term that generally refers to the transportation of goods or people between U.S. ports. Specifically, the vessel intends to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. The Maritime Administration is tasked with determining whether allowing the foreign-built vessel to operate in this manner would negatively impact U.S. shipbuilders or businesses that rely on American-built vessels.
General Summary
The notice invites public input regarding possible adverse effects the use of the M/V Thormax might have on domestic vessel construction and the coastwise trade industry. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments by May 23, 2025, ensuring they provide evidence of any negative impacts alongside their submissions. The goal is to assess whether this specific operation could harm U.S. stakeholders before making any determinations about the vessel's operation in the U.S. coastline trade.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues emerge from this document. Firstly, the language used can be quite technical, referencing U.S. Codes and federal regulations without much explanation. This complexity could limit the ability of the general public to comprehend and engage with the document fully. Furthermore, the notice does not detail the proposed operations of the M/V Thormax or how it intends to function within the coastwise trade, which could be critical for stakeholders assessing potential impacts.
The document also outlines the process for submitting comments, including those that might be confidential. However, without clear explanation or simplification, terms like "Confidential Commercial Information" may confuse less experienced commenters. Additionally, references to legal authorities and frameworks without context can alienate those unfamiliar with legal jargon.
Public Impact
Broadly speaking, the document could affect various stakeholders. For members of the general public, particularly those with a focus on American jobs and industry, this notice represents an opportunity to voice concerns regarding foreign competition in a traditionally U.S.-dominated field. However, complex language and lack of detailed information might inhibit full public participation, reducing the document's effectiveness in gathering comprehensive feedback.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For U.S. vessel builders and those in the coastwise trade industry, the notice could pose significant implications. If the M/V Thormax is allowed to operate, these stakeholders might face increased competition from foreign-built vessels, potentially affecting business operations and employment. On the flip side, companies that favor flexibility in vessel sourcing might view this as a positive development for operational efficiency and cost management.
In conclusion, while the notice is an essential part of regulatory processes, it raises concerns about accessibility and transparency. Making the process more understandable and providing comprehensive details could enhance public engagement and lead to more informed decision-making.
Issues
• The document contains complex legal and procedural language that may be difficult for the general public to understand, such as references to specific U.S. Codes and CFRs. This could hinder public participation.
• The document does not provide specific details about the vessel M/V Thormax or its proposed operations, which might be critical for stakeholders to assess potential impacts.
• The process for submitting confidential comments is outlined but might not be clear to all commenters, particularly those unfamiliar with the term 'Confidential Commercial Information' (CCI). The document could benefit from a simplified explanation or example.
• There are no apparent indications of wasteful spending or favoritism toward particular organizations or individuals, but the lack of detailed information about the request makes a thorough assessment difficult.
• The inclusion of authority references (e.g., 46 U.S.C. 12121(b) and 49 CFR 1.93(a)) without context or explanation may confuse readers unfamiliar with those legal frameworks.