The Maritime Administration will assume primary responsibility for licensing deepwater ports, taking over oversight from the U.S. Coast Guard. The change shifts administration of the federal deepwater port approval process within the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Under the revised structure, MARAD will lead environmental review and licensing activities, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The Coast Guard will continue to oversee safety, design, construction, and operational standards for deepwater port facilities.
Deepwater ports support the offshore transfer of oil and natural gas beyond the U.S. territorial sea. The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 establishes federal requirements for the ownership, construction, operation, and decommissioning of these facilities, including environmental safeguards and detailed project planning.
Since 1975, federal agencies have received 31 deepwater port license applications. Several proposed facilities are located in the Gulf region and remain under review through the federal licensing process.