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46 U.S.C. 56501: DefinitionText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 565-ESSENTIAL VESSELS AFFECTED BY NEUTRALITY ACT
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§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) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 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.