The "Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act" aims to allow dredge ships from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries and major non-NATO allies to operate within the navigable waters of the United States. This is achieved by amending section 55109 of title 46, United States Code, to create an exception for these specific vessels. Eligible vessels must be documented under the laws of a NATO country, built by a NATO country or a major non-NATO ally, and have a majority of their owners and operators incorporated in a NATO country. Furthermore, the bill amends section 55110 of title 46, United States Code, to exclude dredged material from certain transportation requirements , streamlining the process for these operations. This legislative change seeks to enhance port modernization and potentially increase dredging capacity by leveraging allied resources.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Transportation and Public Works
Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act
USA119th CongressS-4756| Senate
| Updated: 6/11/2026
The "Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act" aims to allow dredge ships from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries and major non-NATO allies to operate within the navigable waters of the United States. This is achieved by amending section 55109 of title 46, United States Code, to create an exception for these specific vessels. Eligible vessels must be documented under the laws of a NATO country, built by a NATO country or a major non-NATO ally, and have a majority of their owners and operators incorporated in a NATO country. Furthermore, the bill amends section 55110 of title 46, United States Code, to exclude dredged material from certain transportation requirements , streamlining the process for these operations. This legislative change seeks to enhance port modernization and potentially increase dredging capacity by leveraging allied resources.