The Jones Act tanker fleet continues to grow amid near-term bullishness in the US coastwise oil trade. But the market may tip to overcapacity as new vessels hit the water and other trade routes impact cargo flows.

The delivery last week of the 50,000-dwt Louisiana to Crowley Maritime marks the 33rd medium-range (MR) tanker in the Jones Act trade, which requires ships in the US cabotage trade be built, crewed and essentially owned by US interests.