Homeland Security Extends Jones Act Waiver for Foreign Vessels

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved a second 90-day extension of a Jones Act waiver, permitting foreign-flagged vessels to transport specific cargoes between U.S. ports. The extension takes effect August 17, 2026, and expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 15, 2026.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced substantial changes to the waiver request process. Parties must now submit written vessel availability requests to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Maritime Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection before beginning a voyage. The Maritime Administration is responsible for surveying the availability of coastwise-qualified U.S. vessels.

The U.S. Department of Defense determines if a waiver applies based on national defense interests. Carriers utilizing foreign-flagged vessels are required to provide voyage information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and submit post-voyage reports to the Maritime Administration within 10 days of completing the trip.