The United States is considering penalties against Spain after Spanish authorities denied port access to cargo vessels carrying US weapons to Israel.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), an independent US government agency, opened an investigation in late 2024 after Spain refused entry to at least three cargo vessels, including two US-flagged ships.

According to the FMC, two of the incidents took place in November 2024 and involved vessels operated by Danish shipping major Maersk. These were the Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar, both of which had departed from New York before being denied access to Spanish ports.

The third case occurred in May 2024, when Spanish authorities refused entry to the Danish vessel Marianne Danica, citing that it was transporting weapons to Israel.

Spanish officials have said that ships carrying arms for Israel will not be allowed to call at Spanish ports in the future.

In an update released last week, the FMC said that Spain’s policy remains in force and may be creating conditions unfavourable to US shipping.

The commission stated that it is continuing its investigation and is considering possible responses, including limiting cargo movements, denying entry to Spanish-flagged vessels at US ports, or imposing fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage.

The FMC also published a detailed notice in the US Federal Register this week outlining its concerns. The agency explained that Spain announced a policy in September aimed at stopping certain cargo linked to Israel from moving through Spanish ports and airspace.

This includes banning ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel, as well as tankers transporting fuel intended for use by the Israeli military.

The investigation builds on a probe launched in December 2024 and focuses on whether Spain’s actions interfere with US foreign commerce. The FMC has said that the evidence gathered so far suggests Spain’s regulations may be harming US shipping interests.

Spain’s stance follows the conflict that erupted after Hamas carried out attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023. Since then, Madrid has taken several steps against Israel, including blocking US military aircraft and vessels using Spanish bases to transport weapons to Israel.

Earlier this year, Spain also announced an arms embargo, banned certain Israeli goods, and cancelled a €700 million contract for Israeli-designed rocket launchers as part of a review of defence procurement.

The Spanish government has also said it would block entry to individuals it considers responsible for actions against Palestinians.

FMC commissioner Louis Sola has stated that Spain’s actions could disrupt global trade systems and that denying access to US-flagged vessels raises serious concerns under international maritime norms.

The agency has opened the matter for public comment starting 22 December 2025 and said any action taken will be based on legal obligations and the outcome of the investigation under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920.

Reference: algemeiner