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

On November 9, a Maersk container ship was banned from entering the Spanish port of Algeciras after Spanish authorities expressed concerns about its cargo.

Maersk, a major Danish shipping company, has denied allegations that the ship was carrying weapons for Israel.

In a statement, Maersk explained that the containers transported through the port do not contain weapons or munitions.

The company responded to Spanish media reports that the ship was seized on suspicion of transporting weapons to Israel. Another Maersk ship that was scheduled to arrive later in November was allegedly prevented from docking.

Spain is understood to have stopped supplying weapons to Israel and has taken a firm stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The government is trying to convince other European countries to recognize Palestine as a state and has recently refused to allow ships carrying military supplies to Israel to dock at Spanish ports.

Maersk expressed confusion about the decision, saying that the Maersk Denver’s cargo was similar to other cargo that was able to pass through the port without any problems.

The company also said it had consulted with Spanish authorities to determine why the ship was banned. Maersk said: “We want to understand why this cargo was handled differently, even though it was perfectly legal.”

It is believed that Spain has changed its mind and now refuses any ships carrying military-related cargo to or from Israel, regardless of whether the cargo is legal or not. As a result, the Maersk Denver first changed course to Tangier and is now heading to Oman.