AWO Letter - March 20, 2026

AWO Responds to Issuance of 60-Day Jones Act Waiver. On March 18, the Trump Administration announced a 60-day Jones Act waiver covering the transportation of energy resources, fertilizer and fertilizer feedstocks. The waiver is being granted under the authority of 46 U.S. Code Section 501(a), which requires a waiver to be issued when the Secretary of War determines it is necessary in the interest of national defense to address an immediate adverse effect on military operations. It does not involve a survey of available U.S. vessel capacity.

AWO continues to closely coordinate with the American Maritime Partnership and actively engage with Congress and the Administration to reinforce the importance of the Jones Act to national defense, supply chain stability, and homeland and economic security, and to tell our industry's positive story to policymakers and the American public. To that end, AWO issued the following statement on March 18:

"The Jones Act is fundamental to America's supply chain reliability and national security, and this broad 60-day waiver of this vital law puts both at risk. The breadth of this waiver is especially concerning, as it will unnecessarily impact transportation markets where domestic vessel capacity is not lacking. Allowing foreign vessels to transport cargo on U.S. waterways will introduce the price volatility of today's international market into our domestic commerce, creating instability in our thriving domestic supply chain and undermining American jobs while having no appreciable effect on the price of gasoline.

At a time of heightened concern about terrorist threats on American soil, the Jones Act also serves as a security bulwark against foreign-flag vessels with foreign crews transporting critical cargo between America's inland and coastal ports, and ensures that American mariners remain the indispensable eyes and ears supporting the U.S. Coast Guard's homeland security mission.

Our nation counts on the Jones Act mariners of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry to power the American economy and help keep our communities and waterways safe. Waiving the Jones Act does not serve those interests." 

CBP Issues Implementation Guidance for Jones Act Waiver. Two days after the Jones Act waiver was issued, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which enforces the Jones Act, issued guidance for foreign carriers that intend to transport cargo under the waiver. Any entity that intends to transport a range of products identified in the notice must provide CBP with the name of the vessel, the commodity and its Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code, the carrier name, and the ports and dates of departure and arrival. Additionally, the guidance clarified that entities utilizing the waiver must also submit a report to the U.S. Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 U.S. Code Section 501(c). AWO and our allies at the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) will closely monitor these reports to ensure the waiver is being properly applied and to understand how each cargo movement was necessary in the interest of national defense to address an immediate effect on military operations.

Coast Guard Extends Validity of Credentials Expiring During DHS Shutdown. The National Maritime Center (NMC) announced several additional mitigation efforts to provide relief to mariners while the NMC and Regional Exam Centers remain closed during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

• National Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates that expire between January 1 and April 30, 2026, remain valid until June 30, 2026.
  • Mariners with STCW endorsements must follow a separate process detailed in the mitigation efforts notice to request dispensations.
• Designated Examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire in February and April 2026 are extended until June 30, 2026.
• Additional information letters, approval to test letters, course completion certificates, and examinations are also extended for periods outlined in the announcement.

AWO will continue advocating for necessary extensions and mitigation efforts as the shutdown continues. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Parsons.

Welcome to AWO - 5 New Members:

• Compass Maritime. Compass Maritime (CMS) is a broker/advisor focused on inland and offshore Jones Act tug and barge markets, serving integrated energy companies, refiners, and trading firms. Over the past four years, CMS has brokered more than 100 million barrels of petrochemical, clean, dirty, and LPG cargoes annually within the U.S. CMS also leads vessel sale and purchase transactions, asset auctions, ship recycling programs, and valuation advisory services. Its experience includes supporting NASA and SpaceX Artemis missions, serving as Chevron's exclusive shipbroker for asset recycling, and assisting the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Hub International Inc. Hub International Inc. is among the top 10 international full-service insurance brokerages in the world, with marine insurance specialists located in all geographic areas of North America, including Canada. Their specialty marine practice manages risk and advocates for clients in all areas of the commercial marine business. 
• Mitsubishi Marine Engine. Mitsubishi Marine provides EPA- and IMO-compliant marine engines ranging from 429 to 2,809 horsepower for vessels operating throughout the Americas. Mitsubishi engines support demanding applications such as tugs, pushers, fishing vessels, and passenger ferries. Products are designed with an emphasis on robustness, durability, and operational simplicity.
• Pinnacle Financial Partners. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. provides a broad range of banking services, including equipment finance, maritime charters and mortgages, working capital loans, real estate loans, trust, capital markets, and treasury services. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Pinnacle is publicly traded on the NYSE (PNFP) and earned 50 Coalition Greenwich 2026 Best Bank Awards for service.
• TriState Capital Bank. TriState Capital Bank delivers specialized financial services with a focus on tailored lending and capital solutions. Its Equipment Finance division structures customized lease and loan solutions for new and used equipment across a range of industries, helping clients modernize operations, preserve working capital, and support growth through relationship-driven banking.