Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Lee

Allows NATO-affiliated dredging vessels to operate in U.S. waters, expanding eligible ships for port dredging and streamlining transport rules for dredged material.

Introduced in Senate

Summary of S.4756 (119th Congress) – Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to facilitate dredging activities in U.S. navigable waters by permitting certain NATO-affiliated vessels to perform dredging work in U.S. ports and waterways.

It seeks to expand the pool of eligible dredging vessels by explicitly allowing NATO members and major non-NATO allies to participate in U.S. dredging operations, potentially supporting port modernization and infrastructure projects.

Key provisions and changes

Dredging eligibility (46 U.S.C. § 55109)

Adds a new subsection (c) that authorizes dredging by NATO-affiliated vessels.
A vessel is eligible if it meets all of the following:
It is a vessel described in the subsection (2) and meets the criteria below.
It is documented under the laws of a NATO member country.
It is built by a country that is either a NATO member or a major non-NATO ally (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 2350a(i)).
A majority of the owners and operators of the vessel are entities incorporated in a NATO member country.

Dredged material exclusion from transportation requirements

Amends 46 U.S.C. § 55110 to explicitly exclude dredged material from certain transportation requirements.
The heading is changed to “(excluding dredged material)” and the text is amended accordingly.
This provision appears to narrow or clarify regulatory requirements related to transporting dredged material, potentially reducing compliance burdens for dredging projects that involve NATO-affiliated vessels.

Affected entities and scope

Eligible vessels: Dredging ships documented to a NATO member country, built in NATO or major non-NATO ally countries, with majority ownership and operation by entities incorporated in NATO countries.

Regulatory impact: The changes modify federal dredging statutes to broaden who can conduct dredging work in U.S. waters and adjust related material transportation provisions.

Potential beneficiaries: U.S. port authorities, port operators, and infrastructure projects that rely on dredging for deeper channels, harbor expansion, or modernization, who could benefit from a broader pool of capable dredging vessels.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate on June 11, 2026 by Senator Mike Lee (co-sponsored by Mike Lee).

Referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for consideration.

No further actions (as of the bill text provided) beyond initial referral; timeline would depend on committee action and subsequent floor considerations.

Practical implications

Policy shift toward greater international collaboration in port infrastructure work by enabling allied vessels to conduct dredging in U.S. waters.

Could influence procurement strategies for dredging projects and potentially affect competition among dredging contractors by expanding eligible vessels.

The exclusion of dredged material from certain transportation requirements may streamline project logistics and reduce regulatory hurdles for allied-dredging operations.