The waiver, issued on national defense grounds to ease short-term disruptions in the oil market stemming from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily suspends cabotage restrictions under the Jones Act, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport cargo between U.S. ports. The firm notes that while the waiver explicitly applies to navigation and vessel inspection laws, it does not address how other U.S. laws—covering taxation, labor protections, and immigration—will be applied to foreign vessels engaged in what are, by definition, domestic voyages. The firm notes the exemption, granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the request of the Department of War under 46 U.S.C.
Author: Mike Schuler
Published at: 2026-03-25 22:40:22
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