A factory ship (8902) is equipped to actively process or preserve fishery products — such as filleting, freezing, or canning fish — while at sea. A refrigerated cargo vessel (890130) is designed to transport already-processed or perishable goods but does not perform onboard processing. The presence of processing machinery is the key distinguishing feature.

Yes. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Coast Guard impose documentation, safety, and fisheries-permit requirements on vessels intending to operate in US waters. Foreign-built fishing vessels may also face restrictions on participation in US fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Consult maritime counsel alongside a licensed customs broker.