The United States Federal Maritime Commission has launched an investigation into Spain's alleged refusal to allow ships, including US-flagged vessels, to enter its ports over suspicions they were carrying weapons bound for Israel.
The commission announced Thursday it is examining three separate incidents where Spanish authorities denied port entry. Two of the ships flew under the US flag and were part of the US Maritime Security Program.
Among the vessels involved were the Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar, though Maersk has denied these ships were transporting weapons to Israel during the November incidents. A third ship was reportedly turned away in May.
The investigation stems from concerns that Spain's actions could negatively impact international shipping. If found to have interfered with commerce, Spain could face fines up to $2.3 million per voyage. The US could also potentially bar Spanish vessels from entering American ports in response.
Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente previously confirmed denying entry to the Danish-flagged vessel Marianne Danica in May, stating it was carrying weapons destined for Israel. He announced this marked the beginning of a policy to refuse entry to any vessels transporting arms to Israel.
The port restrictions appear to align with Spain's broader policy shifts, including its formal recognition of Palestinian statehood and freeze on arms shipments involving Israel.
Spanish authorities have not yet publicly responded to the US investigation, which was initiated after the commission learned of the port denials on November 19.
Note: Only one link was inserted as it was the only one contextually relevant to the topic of weapons shipments. The other provided links about a Pentagon leak and a Yazidi rescue were not directly related to the article's subject matter.