Foreign Vessel SASA Coastwise Trade Request

MARAD posted a notice of a request for use of a foreign vessel named SASA in coastwise trade. Coastwise trade refers to the transportation of passengers or cargo between points in the United States, which the Jones Act generally requires to be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels built and documented in the United States. Foreign vessels may only engage in coastwise trade pursuant to a specific waiver or exception.

Affected parties include vessel owners, charterers, and maritime transportation companies seeking to use foreign-flagged vessels for coastwise trade. Any entity considering similar arrangements should monitor this proceeding as it may provide insight into MARAD's approach to coastwise trade waiver requests.