Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Investigating Allegations That Spain Denies Port Access to U.S.-Flagged Vessels
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched a formal investigation into Spain’s apparent and controversial port access restrictions targeting vessels suspected of transporting military supplies to Israel.
The investigation comes after Spanish authorities denied entry to two U.S.-flagged vessels, the Maersk Denver and the Maersk Seletar, which departed New York in late October and early November.
On November 7, a Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman told Madrid newspaper El País that U.S.-flagged vessels “will not stop in Spain,” reiterating a May policy that prohibited vessels carrying military supplies from docking at Spanish ports en route to Israel.
The FMC investigates foreign government policies that may create conditions detrimental to U.S. shipping interests under its authority (46 U.S.C. § 42101; 46 U.S.C. § 41108(d)). If such practices are confirmed, the commission can impose severe penalties, including daily fines and banning foreign vessels from U.S. ports.
“Information indicates that Spain has denied entry to certain vessels on at least three separate occasions this year. The two most recent cases involved vessels flying the U.S. flag,” the FMC said in a statement.
Maersk Line, a leading provider of U.S.-flagged shipping services to the U.S. government and military, operates Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar.
The commission opened a 20-day public comment period requesting detailed information on the denials, including specific information about the vessels involved and the reasons provided by Spanish authorities.
The findings of this study could have far-reaching implications for maritime operations and international trade relations. The FMC’s mission to ensure an efficient and equitable transportation system faces a direct challenge from a foreign policy that restricts U.S.-flagged vessels from accessing international ports.
The investigation will determine whether Spain’s actions violate U.S. shipping laws and, if necessary, find solutions to protect U.S. interests. The outcome could have significant implications for regional naval operations as global tensions rise.
