# Maritime Unions Challenge Jones Act Waiver

Nine maritime labor organizations have challenged the compliance and national-security basis for the U.S. Jones Act waiver, which allows certain foreign-flagged vessels to carry cargo between U.S. ports. The current waiver is scheduled to expire November 15, 2026—16 days from October 30—and concerns about oversight and reporting could expose participating operators to compliance questions and influence future waiver decisions. The signal identifies no contract award or solicitation, but it is relevant to vessel operators and businesses planning U.S. coastal shipping activity.

- Operators using the waiver should review their compliance and reporting documentation in light of the concerns raised and the November 15 expiration.
- Companies relying on foreign-flagged vessel access for domestic cargo movements should account for the scheduled expiration and possible effects on future waiver decisions in their shipping plans.
- Procurement teams should distinguish this policy and compliance development from a contracting opportunity: no solicitation or award is reported.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Maritime Administration (MARAD)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- Department of War

### Vendors
- COSCO (Reported user of the Jones Act waiver)

### Sources
- [Maritime Unions Sound Alarm Over Jones Act Waiver Compliance, Foreign Crews and National Security](https://gcaptain.com/maritime-unions-sound-alarm-over-jones-act-waiver-compliance-foreign-crews-and-national-security) - gCaptain