The US’s Federal Maritime Commission launched on Thursday an investigation into Spain’s reported refusal to allow U.S. cargo ships carrying weapons to Israel access to its ports, AP reported.
The commission cited reports that Spain had denied entry to at least three cargo ships, including vessels participating in the U.S.-run Maritime Security Program, which supports military logistics.
“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 agency stated in a notice published in the Federal Register.
The investigation could result in penalties for Spain, including fines of up to USD 2.3 million per voyage if it is found to have interfered with U.S. shipping.
Two of the incidents under investigation involve vessels operated by Danish shipping company Maersk in November, while the third dates back to May. In each case, Spain reportedly blocked the ships from docking because they carried arms destined for Israel.
Spain’s government has not commented on the November incidents. However, in May, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente acknowledged that the foreign ministry had denied docking rights to the Danish-flagged ship Marianne Danica in the Mediterranean port of Cartagena.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares defended the move at the time. “We are not going to contribute to any more arms reaching the Middle East. The Middle East needs peace,” he said.
He added that the Marianne Danica incident was the start of a new policy barring vessels carrying arms to Israel from Spanish ports.
The policy shift aligns with Spain’s broader stance on Israel’s war on Palestine. In May 2023, Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, officially recognized a Palestinian state.
The Spanish government suspended arms exports to Israel in October 2023.