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US Investigates Spain’s Alleged Denial of Arms Shipments to Israel
The United States Federal Maritime Commission launched an investigation on December 7, 2024, into Spain’s reported refusal to allow U.S. cargo ships carrying weapons to Israel to dock at its ports. The investigation follows claims that Spain denied entry to at least three cargo ships, including vessels operating under the U.S.-run Maritime Security Program, which supports military logistics.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the commission expressed concern that Spain’s alleged policy of blocking certain ships could disrupt international shipping. The investigation could lead to significant penalties for Spain, potentially including fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage if it is determined that Spain has interfered with U.S. maritime operations.
The cases under scrutiny include two incidents involving vessels operated by the Danish shipping company Maersk in November, as well as a third case dating back to May 2024. In all three instances, Spain reportedly denied the ships entry to port because they were transporting arms bound for Israel.
While the Spanish government has not issued a formal statement regarding the November incidents, Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed in May that Spanish authorities had blocked the Danish-flagged ship Marianne Danica from docking at the Mediterranean port of Cartagena. This decision was part of a broader policy shift aimed at preventing weapons from reaching Israel.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares supported the policy change, stating, “We are not going to contribute to any more arms reaching the Middle East. The Middle East needs peace.” He also noted that the blockade on the Marianne Danica marked the beginning of a new directive that bars ships carrying weapons to Israel from Spanish ports.
This policy shift is consistent with Spain’s increasingly critical stance toward Israel’s actions in Palestine. In May 2023, Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Additionally, in October 2023, Spain suspended arms exports to Israel in alignment with its growing opposition to the ongoing conflict.