US waives Jones Act for tankers post hurricane

The US government issued a temporary  waiver of the Jones Act to immediately allow additional oil tankers from the Gulf of Mexico to deliver product from the Gulf of Mexico to Northeastern ports.

The Jones Act requires ships moving cargo between two points in the United States to be built in the country, have a U.S. crew, and be flagged in the United States.

“The administration’s highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy and this waiver will remove a potential obstacle to bringing additional fuel to the storm damaged region,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

Ships must load no later than Nov. 13, and offload at their destinations no later than Nov. 20, said an American Shipper release.