Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023

The Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023 exempts certain foreign-owned cargo vessels (over 1,000 gross tons) from U.S. coastwise trade documentation requirements when operating in noncontiguous trade, such as between Hawaii or Alaska and the continental United States. It allows these vessels to be registered under foreign registry without U.S. approval and removes the need for a U.S. coastwise endorsement. The bill requires all vessels in U.S. coastwise trade - including these exempt vessels - to meet minimum international labor and environmental standards while ensuring foreign shipping companies operating in U.S. waters comply with applicable U.S. laws, including environmental and tax regulations.