The Maritime Administration has approved in principle an application by Marsea Marine, Inc., New Orleans, La., to aid in financing the construction of six tug supply vessels.

The 108-foot vessels, rated at 2,500 shp, are to operate in coastwise or foreign trade in the offshore exploration industry. Halter Marine, Inc., New Orleans, is building the vessels with deliveries scheduled between September and December of this year.

The approved Title XI guarantee covers $19,640,800 or 87½ percent of the estimated actual cost of $22,446,588.