The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments until January 4, 2027, on proposed rules for deepwater port application processing and licensing, following the transfer of those functions from the US Coast Guard (USCG).
The proposal, published on Thursday, November 5, implements the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The act made MARAD the federal lead agency for environmental review of all deepwater port licence applications. The two agencies completed the transition of environmental compliance work in January.
Under the proposed rules, MARAD would process applications, prepare environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, and issue licences. It would also issue a record of decision within 90 days of the final public hearing.
The USCG would retain responsibility for design, construction, equipment, operations and navigational safety. It would also act as a cooperating agency in environmental reviews.
"MARAD and the USCG have concluded that the consolidation and realignment of processing functions would help clarify and streamline the application review process, leading to greater efficiency in the issuance of licensing decisions," MARAD said in the proposal.
The rules encourage applicants to consult the USCG on risk and consequence assessments before filing. They also encourage consultation with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on pipeline requirements.
Applicants facing requests for further information could seek a technical assistance meeting with MARAD and the cooperating agencies, to be held within 30 days.
The $350,000 non-refundable application fee would remain unchanged. MARAD said it was unable to estimate the expected cost savings for operators.
MARAD recently approved licence applications for the ST LNG project offshore Texas and the Blue Marlin Offshore Port off Louisiana.