Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 56501

Definition

In this chapter, the term “essential vessel” means a vessel that is—
(1)
(A)
security for a mortgage indebtedness to the United States Government; or
(B)
constructed under this subtitle or required by a contract under this subtitle to be operated on a certain essential foreign trade route; and
(2)
necessary in the interests of commerce and national defense to be maintained in condition for prompt use.

Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(c)120 Stat. 1656(, , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

56501

46 App.:1242a(a).

June 29, 1940, ch. 442, subdiv. (a), 54 Stat. 684.