Chinese Asphalt Tanker Makes Second U.S. Coastwise Voyage Under Jones Act Waiver

A Chinese-owned tanker has once again transported asphalt between U.S. ports under the Trump administration’s emergency Jones Act waiver, renewing questions about the continued use of a national security exemption following this month’s MoU between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end ongoing hostilities.

Vessel tracking data reviewed by gCaptain shows the Chinese-flagged asphalt tanker JIN ZHOU WAN recently arrived in Baltimore carrying asphalt from New Jersey under the ongoing Jones Act waiver program.

The voyage marks at least the second time the vessel has performed domestic coastwise trade under the waiver. In May, gCaptain reported