This bill modifies U.S. maritime law to allow vessels from allied foreign countries to participate in American coastwise shipping trade. Under current law, only U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels can transport cargo between U.S. ports; this legislation creates an exception for vessels built in allied nations, owned by allied nationals, or crewed by allied personnel. The bill directs the Secretary of State (in consultation with the Coast Guard) to maintain a "Foreign Ally Shipping Registry" that initially includes all NATO member countries, with authority to add or remove countries as diplomatic circumstances warrant. Authorizations for qualified allied vessels would be granted for up to five-year periods and would be revoked if a vessel ceases to qualify or if its country of origin is removed from the registry. The bill also exempts repairs made in allied shipyards from duty assessments. No specific funding is required, and the registry system can be implemented through existing departmental authority.
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