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The United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched an investigation into three incidents where Spain reportedly refused port access to ships carrying arms destined for Israel.
Two of the vessels were U.S.-flagged, raising concerns about potential interference with international commerce. The announcement was made on Thursday through a notice published in the Federal Register.
The FMC expressed apprehension about the implications of Spain’s actions on global trade. “The commission is concerned that this apparent policy of denying entry to certain vessels will create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade,” the notice read.
If Spain is found to have unlawfully disrupted trade, it could face significant penalties, including fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage. Additionally, Spanish ships may be barred from entering U.S. ports in retaliation.
The incidents came to light on November 19, when the FMC was informed that vessels, including those enrolled in the U.S.
Maritime Security Program, were denied entry into Spanish ports. Two of the ships named in reports are the Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar, operated by the Danish shipping giant Maersk.
A spokesperson for Maersk denied that the ships were transporting weapons to Israel during the November incidents, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company has not provided further comments amid the ongoing investigation.
Spain Acknowledges Ship Denials
While Spanish officials have yet to comment on the U.S. probe, Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, confirmed in May that the Danish-flagged ship Marianne Danica was denied entry for carrying arms bound for Israel.
“We are not going to contribute to any more arms reaching the Middle East,” Puente stated, according to the Associated Press. He described the decision as the start of a broader policy aimed at preventing arms shipments to Israel.
Spain’s move coincided with its formal recognition of Palestinian statehood earlier this year. Following this decision, the Spanish government also announced a freeze on all arms shipments to and from Israel.
Broader Implications for Trade and Diplomacy
The FMC’s investigation adds a layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Spain and Israel.
Critics argue that Spain’s actions undermine global trade norms and disproportionately target Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Conversely, Spain’s government defends its stance as a measure to promote peace in the Middle East.
The potential penalties could strain U.S.-Spain maritime relations. Experts suggest that barring Spanish vessels from U.S. ports would have significant economic repercussions, potentially disrupting the trade flow between the two nations.
The investigation underscores the tension between commercial interests and political stances in international trade. As the FMC continues its inquiry, the case could set a precedent for how nations navigate such conflicts in global shipping practices.
With Spain maintaining its position and the U.S. probing the legality of the denials, the maritime trade industry is closely watching the developments, which may have far-reaching implications for shipping and diplomatic relations.