🌊Notice of Intent for ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), in coordination with the Maritime Administration (MARAD), will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) as part of the environmental review of the ST LNG, LLC (ST LNG or Applicant) deepwater port license application. The application proposes the ownership, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of an offshore natural gas export deepwater port, known as the ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project, which would be in Federal waters approximately 10.4 nautical miles (19.2 kilometers) offshore Matagorda, Texas in water depths of approximately 65 to 75 feet (20 to 22 meters). The deepwater port would allow for the loading of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading carriers. This Notice of Intent (NOI) requests public participation in the scoping process, provides information on how to participate, and announces an informational open house and public meeting. Pursuant to the criteria provided in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (DWPA), as amended, Texas is the designated Adjacent Coastal State (ACS) for this application.
Learn More🚢Public Comments Requested on Foreign-Built Vessel Use in U.S. Trade
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.
Learn More⚓Deepwater Port License Application for ST LNG Project in Texas
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announce they have received an application from ST LNG, LLC (ST LNG or Applicant) for the licensing of a deepwater port and that the application for the ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project contains information sufficient to commence processing. This notice summarizes the Applicant's plans and the procedures that will be considered during the application review process.
Learn More⚓MARAD Proposes Regulatory Revisions on Seamen's Claims Process
MARAD is proposing to revise its regulations pertaining to the filing of claims and the administrative allowance or disallowance of claims filed by officers or members of crew employed on vessels owned, operated, or chartered by MARAD. The rule is intended (1) to correct numerous citations in accordance with the codification of Title 46 of the United States Code; (2) to improve accessibility by modernizing text and updating agency contact information; and (3) to remove obsolete references.
Learn More⚓Simplifying U.S. Citizenship Requirements for Maritime Businesses
On May 1, 2019, MARAD published in the Federal Register an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), titled "How to Best Evidence Corporate Citizenship: Policy and Regulatory Review," soliciting public comment on steps MARAD could take to simplify and modernize the process for evidencing U.S. citizenship. Consistent with the comments MARAD received, the proposed rule would simplify and modernize the process for establishing United States citizenship of corporations and other business formations participating in MARAD programs. In the interest of minimizing the unnecessary disclosure of personally identifiable information, the proposed rule would also eliminate the requirement to provide dates and places of birth of corporate executives, directors, and stock owners as required in the current form of affidavit of citizenship. The proposed rule would also amend the form of affidavit with respect to publicly traded entities by eliminating the requirement to provide certain information regarding registered owners of stock, eliminate the notarization requirement, and provide a simple and streamlined process for recertification.
Learn More🚢MARAD Rescinds Outdated Shipping Priority Regulations
MARAD is rescinding four obsolete parts in its regulations pertaining to procedures for assigning priority use of commercial shipping services and port facilities, vessel allocation services, and port utilization under Title I of the Defense Production Act (DFA) of 1950. On October 1, 2012, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary (OST) established the Department's Transportation Priorities and Allocation System (TPAS) in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 33, which replaces the subject regulations in 46 CFR parts 340 and 345-347 regarding priority use and allocation of shipping services, restrictions on port utilization transfer or changes, the standard form of service agreements for ports, and the standard form of marine terminal contracts. Rescinding these regulations will improve clarity with respect to the implementation and administration of TPAS and recognize the centralization of TPAS within DOT its administration by OST.
Learn More🐟Maritime Administration Proposes Changes to American Fisheries Act Regulations
On May 1, 2019, MARAD published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), titled "How Best to Simplify Filing Statements of American Fisheries Act Citizenship: Policy and Regulatory Review," soliciting public comment on steps MARAD could take to simplify and modernize the process for evidencing U.S. citizenship for owners of U.S.-flag fishing industry vessels of 100 feet or greater in registered length. In response to public support for updating our regulations, MARAD is soliciting public comments on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Consistent with comments received, the proposed rule would simplify the annual citizenship filing procedures under the American Fisheries Act (AFA) program in order to reduce costs or administrative burdens placed on owners of fishing industry vessels. MARAD proposes (1) to simplify and streamline annual renewal filing for vessel owners whose citizenship information has not changed since their affidavit of U.S. citizenship (AFA Affidavit) filing; (2) to update acceptable methods for evidencing citizenship of publicly traded entities; and (3) to eliminate requirements to provide personally identifiable information (i.e., social security numbers and dates and places of birth for corporate officers and directors) in affidavits of AFA citizenship.
Learn More🚢Regulatory Update on Agency Agreements and Appointments by MARAD
MARAD is revising its regulations pertaining to the award and administration of agency agreements in the form of service agreements and ship manager contracts. The rule is intended to correct numerous citations in accordance with the codification of Title 46 of the United States Code; improve accessibility by modernizing text and updating agency contact information; and remove obsolete references.
Learn More⚓Maritime Administration Annual Service Obligation Compliance Report
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0509 (Maritime Administration Annual Service Obligation Compliance Report) is used to determine if a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or a State maritime academy Student Incentive Payment (SIP) program graduate is complying with the terms of the service obligation. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Learn More🎓Request for Comments on US Merchant Marine Academy Admissions Process
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0010 (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Candidate Application for Admission) is being updated to reflect the new Student Information System (SIS) and online application and admissions portal, as an alternate to the paper-based application and admissions process. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
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