MARAD to take on oversight of deepwater port licensing

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy has announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will take on oversight of deepwater port licensing from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The change is aimed at streamlining environmental reviews, accelerating license approvals, and lowerimg domestic energy costs.

“The Deepwater Port Program is a key pillar of President Trump’s energy dominance strategy. With this change, we’ll soon accelerate project approvals so the nation can safely utilize more of its abundant natural resources, create more high paying jobs, and lower energy costs for American families,” said Secretary Duffy.

“MARAD is excited and proud to lead the Deepwater Port Program. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard to make this process more efficient and fuel our energy economy for years to come,” said MARAD Administrator Steve M. Carmel.

The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (DWPA) establishes a licensing system for ownership, construction, operation, and decommissioning of deepwater port structures located beyond the U.S. territorial sea for the import and export of oil and natural gas. The DWPA sets out conditions that deepwater port license applicants must meet, including minimization of adverse impacts on the marine environment and submission of detailed plans for construction, operation, and decommissioning of deepwater ports.

In overseeing the licensing process, MARAD will assume National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and environmental compliance review duties. USCG will instead support as a cooperating agency and will remain responsible for overseeing safety, design, construction, and operations of deepwater port facilities. This transition advances President Trump’s Executive Order on Unleashing American Energy.

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