Deepwater Port Application Processing and Licensing
Key claim: The Maritime Administration is proposing updated licensing regulations establishing itself as the lead agency for processing deepwater port applications and environmental reviews, while leaving Coast Guard safety and operational oversight intact.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Transportation Department, Maritime Administration) 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. 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.
Why this matters
The proposal would make MARAD the lead agency for deepwater port application processing and environmental reviews, clarifying administrative responsibility for project applicants and review participants. It retains Coast Guard safety and operational oversight, so the proposed administrative shift does not itself remove that oversight; the regulatory changes remain proposed rather than final.