US maritime group urges end to Jones Act waiver

The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) argues that the current waiver is harming domestic maritime jobs and investment.

IMAGE: Aerial view of an industrial harbour in New York. Getty Images

AMP has launched a national campaign urging the US administration to end the ongoing 150-day Jones Act waiver, saying the measure is undermining US maritime workers, businesses and shipbuilding interests.

The Jones Act requires cargo moved between US ports to be transported on vessels that are built, owned and crewed by Americans.

The waiver was introduced earlier this year to allow foreign-flagged vessels to carry oil and fuel between US ports amid concerns over energy supply disruptions.

AMP said the waiver is causing "extensive harm" to US jobs and investment and is profiting foreign countries and workers.

AMP cited an independent analysis by the Center for Maritime Strategy, saying the waiver’s price impact is just $0.000157/gallon, while total fuel moved under the waiver over the first 60 days amounted to roughly 11 hours of national consumption.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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