Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act

This bill would let the Secretary of Transportation allow certain ships from allied countries to carry goods between U.S. ports. It covers ships that are registered in allied countries, owned by people from those countries, or crewed by their citizens. It creates an exception so these allied ships can do some “coastwise” trips when the Secretary approves it.

In plain terms, it opens the door for trusted allies to help move merchandise within the United States when needed, under rules set by the Transportation Department.

• Who is affected: U.S. shippers and ports; ship owners and crews from allied countries.
• What changes: The Secretary of Transportation could authorize allied foreign vessels to take part in certain coast-to-coast or port-to-port shipments inside the U.S..
• When: This describes what the bill would allow; timing would depend on if it becomes law and how the Secretary uses this authority.