Container Ship Denied Entry To Spanish Port Over Alleged Arms Shipment To Israel

A Maersk container ship was denied entry into the Spanish port of Algeciras on November 9 after Spanish authorities raised concerns about its cargo.

Maersk, a leading Danish shipping company, rejected claims that the ship was transporting weapons for Israel.

In a statement, Maersk clarified that the container being transshipped through the port did not contain any military weapons or ammunition.

The company responded to reports in Spanish media that the ship was stopped because it was suspected of carrying weapons for Israel. Another Maersk vessel, scheduled to arrive later in November, was said to be stopped from docking.

Spain, which has suspended arms supplies to Israel, is known for taking a strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The government has been trying to convince other European nations to recognize Palestine as a state, and it has recently refused to allow ships delivering military supplies to Israel to dock in Spanish ports.

Maersk expressed confusion about the decision, saying that the cargo on the Maersk Denver was similar to other cargoes that had been allowed to transit through the port without any issue.

The company also said that it consulted with Spanish authorities to determine why the ship was blocked. “We want to understand why this shipment was treated differently, even though it’s fully legal,” Maersk said.

It is believed that Spain has changed its decision and is now rejecting any vessels carrying military-related cargo to or from Israel, regardless of whether the shipment is legal. As a result, the Maersk Denver has first changed its route to Tangier and is now headed to Oman.

References: The Straits Times, Tribune