Investigation Into Flags of Convenience and Unfavorable Conditions Created by Certain Flagging Practices

Federal Maritime Commission.

Order of investigation and request for comments.

The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) is initiating a nonadjudicatory investigation into whether the vessel flagging laws, regulations, or practices of foreign countries, including so-called flags of convenience, or competitive methods employed by the owners, operators, agents, or masters of foreign-flagged vessels, are creating unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade of the United States. The Commission invites the public to submit comments for its consideration.

Submit comments on or before August 20, 2025.

You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. FMC-2025-0009, by the method listed below. The Commission orders that all comments shall be public under 46 CFR 502.291, unless confidential treatment is specifically requested for good cause.

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Your comments must be written and in English. You may submit your comments electronically through the Federal Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. To submit comments on that site, search for Docket No. FMC-2025-0009 and follow the instructions provided.