Jones Act Waiver Approaches Milestone

The US Maritime Show will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the first week of December.

The Department of Homeland Security's 'Jones Act' waiver, which has enabled foreign flag voyages and cargo movement, has reached significant milestones. Over 400 voyages and millions of barrels of petroleum have been distributed under the waiver, set to expire on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The numbers are striking, with nearly 90% of the foreign flag voyages taking place in the Gulf of Mexico, and a significant proportion of those voyages involving petroleum distribution. The Department of Homeland Security has reported that foreign vessels have moved millions of barrels of petroleum through US waters during this period, a development that could have far-reaching implications for the maritime industry.

Moxie Media is launching Moxie Connect: User Conference 2026, a complimentary event open to all maritime professionals, which will take place on December 2, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The International WorkBoat Show will also be held alongside Moxie Connect, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss the implications of the waiver and potential job losses if a follow-on extension is not issued.

The event is expected to draw around 4,000 attendees, who will have the opportunity to see the Trainingportal platform in action and explore the growing connection between training and competency management. Moxie Media became part of Mintra in 2025, and this event marks an important milestone in the company's expansion into digital learning and workforce management solutions.

The 'Jones Act' waiver, which has enabled foreign flag voyages and cargo movement, was announced by the Department of Homeland Security on March 17, 2026. The waiver, which is set to expire on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., has already led to a significant increase in foreign vessel traffic in US waters. According to reports, nearly 90% of these voyages have taken place in the Gulf of Mexico, with a substantial proportion involving petroleum distribution. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that foreign vessels have moved millions of barrels of petroleum through US waters during this period. Industry officials and analysts are closely monitoring the waiver's implications for the maritime industry, as it could potentially impact job losses if a follow-on extension is not issued. Some reports suggest that the expiration of the waiver coincides with the start of the winter season, which could exacerbate any potential economic disruption. Moxie Media has announced plans to hold a complimentary event, Moxie Connect: User Conference 2026, on December 2, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, to discuss the waiver's implications and explore its impact on training and competency management.

Industry officials are reacting cautiously to reports of a potential call for a moment of silence in New Orleans if a follow-on extension of the 'Jones Act' waiver is not issued, with 90,000 American seafaring jobs at risk. The announcement has sparked concerns among maritime professionals and analysts, who are urging policymakers to consider the long-term implications of the waiver's expiration on December 15, 2026. Moxie Media, which is launching Moxie Connect: User Conference 2026 alongside the International WorkBoat Show, has not commented on the proposed moment of silence, but officials say they will continue to provide training and support to industry stakeholders as the situation unfolds.