60-Day Waiver on U.S. Jones Act for Shipping Amid Iran War


   
Barani Krishnan
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) - U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended for a 60-day 
period the Jones Act to effectively allow international tankers to transport 
energy and agricultural products between U.S. ports amid the global shipping 
congestion caused by the Iran war, the White House announced on Wednesday 
(3/18).

   The suspension of the shipping legislation will help "mitigate the 
short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting 
the objectives of Operation Epic Fury", White House Press Secretary Karoline 
Leavitt said in a post on X, referring to the Iran war by its operation name.

   The Jones Act serves as the foundation of U.S. maritime policy, requiring 
that domestic cargo be transported on American-built, owned, and crewed 
vessels. This 1920 law provides a protectionist framework intended to maintain 
a resilient merchant marine fleet for national security and economic stability.

   Escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has effectively 
shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, causing maritime charter rates to spike and 
idling numerous vessels. The resulting supply chain gaps have disrupted global 
energy flows, leaving even U.S.-registered ships stranded as regional tensions 
intensify.

    




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