According to the Spanish newspaper The Country the Spanish government refuses the two ships, both of which sail under the American flag, to dock until the cargo has been inspected.
The container ship Maersk Denver set sail from New York on 31 October and was scheduled to arrive in Algeciras on 8 November.
The container ship Maersk Seletar left the quay in New York on 4 November and was scheduled to call at the Spanish port city on 14 November.
Both of the two ships belong to Maersk shipping company’s subsidiary Maersk Line.
Ved kai i Marokko
According to the website Marine Traffic Maersk Denver changed course in the Strait of Gibraltar and is now docked in Ksar es Segir in Morocco. It is not clear where Maersk Seletar is located.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday that they were in the process of investigating whether there is any basis in the suspicion that the two ships have weapons on their way to Israel in their cargo
– If the information is confirmed, all necessary measures will come into force, said a spokesperson for the ministry.
Do not use for multiple weapons
The government in Madrid decided in May that ships bound for Israel with weapons in their cargo will be refused a call in Spain.
– The Middle East does not need more weapons, they need more peace, was the reasoning from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
Spain has distinguished itself as one of the harshest critics in Europe of Israel’s warfare in the Gaza Strip and has stopped all exports of weapons and ammunition to Israel.
Nammo ammunition
In February, however, the newspaper revealed Our Country that the Norwegian arms manufacturer Nammo’s Spanish subsidiary Palencia had nevertheless sold ammunition to Israel.
– The export from Nammo Palencia to Elbit has been approved by the Spanish authorities. 98.5 percent of the order is training and overpressure ammunition that is unsuitable for use in combat, Nammo’s communications director Thorstein Korsvold stated on that occasion.
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**Interview with Maria González, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Welcome, Maria. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this developing story regarding Maersk and the alleged violations of the Spanish embargo on military goods to Israel.
**Maria González:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a critical issue that touches on international trade laws and geopolitical tensions.
**Editor:** Can you provide some context on the Spanish embargo and its significance in this situation?
**Maria González:** Absolutely. The Spanish government has imposed an embargo on military goods being sent to Israel, largely in response to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian concerns. This decision aligns with broader European Union policies aimed at regulating arms exports to conflict zones. The alleged violation by Maersk suggests potential lapses in compliance with these regulations.
**Editor:** The investigation claims that Maersk is shipping military goods from the U.S. to Israel. How does this complicate matters?
**Maria González:** It complicates matters significantly because it raises questions about the responsibilities of shipping companies under international law. If the ships indeed contain military goods, Maersk could face serious legal repercussions, especially since the Spanish government has already denied docking rights until the cargo is inspected. This emphasizes the need for due diligence by shipping companies to verify the nature of their cargo.
**Editor:** What has been the reaction from the Spanish government and the broader international community so far?
**Maria González:** The Spanish government has been firm in its enforcement of the embargo, which is critical for maintaining its stance on international law. As for the international community, reactions may vary. Some countries may support Spain’s efforts to maintain embargoes, while others, particularly allies of Israel, may view this as an overreach. This situation could potentially strain diplomatic relations, depending on how it unfolds.
**Editor:** what implications might this have for Maersk and similar shipping companies in the future?
**Maria González:** This incident could lead to stricter regulations and a more cautious approach among shipping companies regarding international shipping routes, especially to conflict zones. Companies might need to invest in better tracking and inspection protocols to avoid legal issues tied to cargo compliance. Additionally, we may see an increased demand for transparency in shipping practices across the industry.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for your insights on this critical issue. It seems the implications could be far-reaching for international shipping and geopolitical relations.
**Maria González:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to stay informed as this situation develops.
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