The US administration announced a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act on March 18, permitting foreign-flagged vessels to transport critical commodities, including oil and gas, between US ports. The waiver was triggered by domestic supply chain pressure resulting from Middle East energy disruptions. Separately, the Federal Maritime Commission issued a $22.6 million civil penalty to MSC and announced it is monitoring Strait of Hormuz surcharges being applied by carriers.