Federal agency takes comment on foreign-built 12-passenger boat's bid for coastwise trade

The federal Maritime Administration is asking for public comment on whether a foreign-built small passenger boat with an Alaska registration number, AK-6447-AX, should be allowed to carry paying passengers between U.S. ports. The agency filed the notice Wednesday, and it publishes in the Federal Register on Thursday.

Under federal law, the Coast Guard can give a foreign-built boat carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire a coastwise trade endorsement only if the Maritime Administration finds its use will not hurt U.S. vessel builders or businesses that operate U.S.-built boats. The decision determines whether the boat can work the same trade as charter and tour operators running American-built hulls.

The notice does not say where the boat would operate or who owns it. It says those details are in the owner's request, posted in the federal docket, MARAD-2026-1652, on regulations.gov. The request was not yet visible there Wednesday.

Comments are due within 30 days of publication. They must name the vessel, state the commenter's interest and document any harm to U.S. builders or operators. All comments become public.