By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 2 -- The US Department of Homeland Security has waived the Jones Act, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport cargos between US ports.
Homeland Security Sec. Michael Chertoff signed the waiver on Sept. 2. No details were provided on how long the waiver would be effective.
The waiver will add flexibility to an oil transportation system hobbled by storm-related impairment to the operation of several key pipelines.
The Jones Act also is known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920.