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.
Simple Explanation
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.