⚓Proposed Modifications Impacting Maritime and Logistics Sectors
USTR requests written comments regarding potential modification of certain aspects of the trade action in connection with the Section 301 investigation of China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. The U.S. Trade Representative has determined to propose that it is appropriate to modify the action by: for Annex III, providing for a targeted coverage provision pertaining to vessels in the Maritime Security Program and changing the basis of the fee to net tons; and for Annex IV, eliminating paragraph (j), retroactive to April 17, 2025, under which USTR may direct the suspension of LNG export licenses until the terms of paragraph (f) of this Annex are met. USTR also seeks comments on changing the data reporting requirements in paragraph (k) and applying Annex IV restrictions to vessel owners or operators.
Learn More🚢New Coast Guard Security Zone in Potomac and Anacostia Rivers
The Coast Guard will enforce a security zone along the Potomac River and Anacostia River, and adjacent waters at Washington, DC, for activities associated with the Army's 250th Anniversary celebration. This action, which updates the enforcement period, is necessary to protect government officials, mitigate potential terrorist acts and incidents, and enhance public and maritime safety and security immediately before, during, and after this activity. During the enforcement period, entry into or remaining within the zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated representative.
Learn More🚢Comments Requested on Coastwise Trade Waiver Application Renewal
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on its 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 2133-0529 (Application for Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for Small Passenger Vessels) is used to identify the effect of potential foreign-built small passenger vessel coastwise operations on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses. Since the last renewal there was an increase in the total respondents, responses, burden hours and cost to respondents. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Learn More🎆Temporary Safety Zone for Fireworks Display on Appomattox River
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within a 250-yard radius of a fireworks barge located in the Appomattox River, near City Point, in Hopewell, VA. The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of persons and vessels, and to protect the marine environment within the navigable waters proximate to fireworks displays, before, during, and after the scheduled events. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Virginia.
Learn More⚓️Request for Comments on Maritime Service Obligation Renewal
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0510 (Request for Waiver of Service Obligation, Request for Deferment of Service Obligation, and Application for Review) is used to determine if waivers and deferments may be granted to graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and State Maritime Academies (SMAs) who participated in the Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program. There was a reduction in the total burden hours for this collection, due to less time taken to complete the forms associated with this collection. There are no other changes to this collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Learn More⚓Impact of Security Zone Removal in Old Tampa Bay
The Coast Guard is disestablishing a security zone in old Tampa Bay, including on land portions of Chemical Formulators Chlorine Facility. The security zone is no longer needed since Chemical Formulators facility is no longer operating. This action will remove existing regulations that restrict vessel movement through the area.
Learn More🌊Coast Guard Seeks Comments on Vapor Control Systems Information Collection
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0060, Vapor Control Systems for Facilities and Tank Vessels; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
Learn More⚓Federal Maritime Commission Notice on Shipping Agreements
The Federal Maritime Commission announces the filing of agreements related to the MSC/ZIM Cooperative Working Agreement, detailing changes in geographic scope and provisions due to evolving trade conditions. Interested parties are invited to comment within specified timeframes, with details available through the Commission's website.
Learn More🚢FMC Plans to Revoke Exemptions for Controlled Carriers
The Federal Maritime Commission ("Commission") intends to revoke certain exemptions that had been granted to some controlled carriers, allowing for their rates, charges, classifications, rules or regulations to become effective with less than thirty (30) days' notice. This revocation would apply to exemptions that were granted to entities that have since been removed from the Commission's list of controlled carriers. Exemptions that have been granted to controlled carriers that remain on this list would continue to be valid but may be reviewed in the future. The Commission invites comments from the public on this proposed action.
Learn More🚢Notice on Foreign-Built Passenger Vessel in US Coastwise 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.
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