The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) have developed a better procedure on Ex-Im Bank credits in which Public Resolution (PR) 17 apply. MARAD will now consider waiver requests prior to Ex-Im Bank approval of the credit if the recipient meets certain conditions.

To take advantage of this early use of the procedure, the applicant or their designated contractor needs to discuss with MARAD the proposed movement of cargo prior to any shipments proposed to be covered under the Ex-Im Bank credit.

In the past MARAD has issued waivers only after the credit had been approved by Ex-Im Bank. MARAD and Ex-Im Bank believe this new early consideration will encourage greater use of U.S.-flag vessels, allow better planning by exporters, reduce the number of compensatory waivers, and reduce the paperwork burden on all parties.

To obtain more information on the new procedure or general information on PR 17, contact Lester Levay, MARAD’s Division of Civilian Cargoes at (202) 366-5512; Email: Lester.Levay@marad.dot.gov; Carey Brady at (202) 366-5525; Email: Carey.Brady@marad.dot.gov; Michael O’Rear at (202) 366-5510; Email: Mike.O’Rear@marad.dot.gov; or Dennis Brennan at (202) 366-1029; Email: Dennis.Brennan@marad.dot.gov. Information also may be obtained on the cargo preference program and its laws, regulations and guidelines by visiting http://www.marad.dot.gov/offices/cargo_pref.html, or by telephone at (202) 366-4610 or 1-800-9US-FLAG.

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The mission of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is to promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. MARAD also seeks to ensure that the United States enjoys adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency.

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