The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) recently launched an investigation into Spain’s refusal to allow several U.S.-flagged ships to dock in its ports, most notably the Maersk Denver. This incident, which stems from allegations that these vessels were transporting military supplies to Israel, has ignited a broader conversation about Spain’s handling of antisemitism and its political stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Maersk Denver, a U.S.-flagged container ship operating under the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Maritime Security Program (MSP), became a focal point for controversy when Spanish authorities denied it access to the port of Algeciras in early November 2024. The incident followed protests in Spain by activist groups who accused the vessel of carrying military supplies intended for Israel. These groups claimed the ship was violating Spain’s official policy prohibiting the transshipment of arms to Israel. In response, Maersk Ltd., which operates the ship, defended the legality of the cargo, asserting that it contained no military equipment. Nonetheless, the Spanish authorities proceeded with the denial, triggering a diplomatic and legal confrontation.
In the case of the Maersk Denver, Morocco unexpectedly became the solution when Spain denied the ship entry to its ports.
The refusal to allow the Maersk Denver to dock is emblematic of the growing influence of activist movements in Spain, which have increasingly targeted entities involved in trade with Israel. While Spain’s official stance remains one of neutrality in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the decision to block these U.S. vessels raises significant questions about whether domestic political pressures are shaping the government’s actions. More troublingly, these actions appear to echo broader geopolitical tensions that have sparked accusations of antisemitism in Spain, highlighting the fine line between political criticism of Israel and hostility toward Jews.
In the case of the Maersk Denver, Morocco unexpectedly became the solution when Spain denied the ship entry to its ports. After the refusal to dock at Algeciras, the vessel diverted to Morocco, where it unloaded its cargo before continuing its journey to Oman. The decision to reroute to Morocco allowed the ship to fulfill its mission without further disruptions, illustrating the flexibility of global shipping routes and highlighting Morocco’s role as an alternative maritime hub.
This solution, however, underscored the diplomatic tension between Spain and the U.S., as the vessel had to alter its course due to Spain’s decision, potentially straining commercial and diplomatic ties between the two nations. More significantly, Morocco’s willingness to accept the Maersk Denver despite the controversy surrounding its cargo reflects the broader complexities of Middle Eastern and North African geopolitics. While Spain faced growing internal and international pressure over its stance on Israel, Morocco’s action of allowing the vessel to dock demonstrated the geopolitical nuances at play in global maritime operations.
While the Maersk Denver incident is ostensibly about trade and maritime law, it is deeply intertwined with the broader issue of antisemitism in Spain. The Spanish government’s actions reflect the complex interplay between political ideology, foreign policy, and the treatment of Jewish communities. Spain has historically been critical of Israeli policies, particularly regarding its treatment of Palestinians. However, as Spain navigates its diplomatic stances, especially during periods of heightened tensions like those surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it must contend with the increasing risk of such criticisms morphing into anti-Jewish sentiment.
The situation is further complicated by protests that claim Israel is waging a “genocidal” war, particularly in Gaza, with some activists expanding their criticisms to Jews in general, rather than solely condemning Israeli policies. This shift is often a subtle form of antisemitism—one that blurs the line between political critique of the state of Israel and the age-old prejudice against Jewish people. In Spain, as in many other European countries, public protests against Israel’s actions are sometimes accompanied by antisemitic rhetoric, leading to a climate of fear and distrust among Jewish citizens. These incidents raise questions about whether Spain’s political environment, especially in the context of its support for Palestinian rights, is inadvertently allowing antisemitism to take root.
The international consequences of this are significant. Spain, which has strong trade ties with both the U.S. and Israel, must now balance its diplomatic relationships with these two powers against the demands of its activist groups. The refusal to allow U.S. ships to dock highlights the tension between Spain’s desire to maintain neutrality on global conflicts and its growing need to respond to the increasing power of political movements within its borders, particularly those critical of Israel.
In Spain, public protests against Israel’s actions are sometimes accompanied by antisemitic rhetoric, leading to a climate of fear and distrust among Jewish citizens.
Furthermore, the Spanish government has faced international criticism for potentially politicizing its maritime policies. By allowing protests to influence key decisions—such as the refusal of port access to the Maersk Denver—Spain may be seen as undermining international trade laws and agreements, potentially straining its relationship with the U.S. and other allies. This policy also raises questions about the broader implications for the future of global commerce, as activist movements increasingly seek to leverage political pressure to influence trade and shipping policies.
In response to the denial of entry, Maersk expressed frustration and surprise, noting that its vessels have routinely transshipped cargo without incident in the past. The shipping company emphasized that the cargo aboard the Maersk Denver was legal and that the company has adhered to all international trade laws. However, it also acknowledged Spain’s right to exercise discretion over which ships can dock at its ports. Despite this, Maersk has requested clarity from the Spanish government on why its vessels were denied access and whether new policies are being enacted.
As part of the investigation, the FMC has launched a 20-day public consultation period to gather information and testimonies from all parties involved. The goal is to assess whether Spain’s actions violate international trade and maritime laws. Given the U.S. government’s vested interest in ensuring the protection of its maritime interests, this investigation could have significant legal and diplomatic implications for U.S.-Spanish relations.
