Deepwater Port Application Processing and Licensing
November 6, 2026 6:11am
This document proposes procedures for the processing of applications for the licensing of deepwater ports. The proposed rule reflects the transfer of deepwater...
This document proposes procedures for the processing of applications for the licensing of deepwater ports. The proposed rule reflects the transfer of deepwater port license application processing management under the Deepwater Port Act from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to MARAD.
5-Second Takeaway
This document proposes procedures for the processing of applications for the licensing of deepwater ports.
Why This Matters
The proposed rule reflects the transfer of deepwater port license application processing management under the Deepwater Port Act from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to MARAD.
What Changed
- Pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (2026 NDAA), MARAD is the Federal lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for all deepwater port license applications.
- USCG responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, operation of deepwater ports, and navigational safety are not affected by the 2026 NDAA statutory changes, or this proposed rule and will continue to be administered by USCG.
- The issuing agency is Transportation Department, Maritime Administration.
- This proposed rule was published on 2026-11-05.
- The Federal Register document number is 2026-22617.
- Federal Register document: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/05/2026-22617/deepwater-port-application-processing-and-licensing
- Federal Register home: https://www.federalregister.gov/
Key Facts
- Pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (2026 NDAA), MARAD is the Federal lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for all deepwater port license applications.
- USCG responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, operation of deepwater ports, and navigational safety are not affected by the 2026 NDAA statutory changes, or this proposed rule and will continue to be administered by USCG.
- The issuing agency is Transportation Department, Maritime Administration.
- This proposed rule was published on 2026-11-05.
Key Numbers
- Pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (2026 NDAA), MARAD is the Federal lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for all deepwater port license applications.
- USCG responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, operation of deepwater ports, and navigational safety are not affected by the 2026 NDAA statutory changes, or this proposed rule and will continue to be administered by USCG.
- This proposed rule was published on 2026-11-05.
- The Federal Register document number is 2026-22617.
- Federal Register document: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/05/2026-22617/deepwater-port-application-processing-and-licensing