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 <a href="https://www.archyde.com/danish-ships-are-refused-to-dock-due-to-suspicion-of-weapons-shipments-to-israel/" title="Danish ships are refused to dock due to suspicion of weapons shipments to Israel“>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 Maritime Expert Dr. Elena Torres on the Impact of Spain’s Decision on Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. Recently, the Spanish government has decided to deny docking rights to the Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar until their cargo is inspected. What are the implications of this decision for maritime trade?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. This decision certainly has significant implications. Spain is a crucial shipping hub in Europe, and delays in docking can disrupt not only the schedules of specific vessels but also the broader supply chain. This is particularly relevant for goods that are time-sensitive.
**Interviewer:** The Maersk Denver was scheduled to arrive in Algeciras on November 8th. What does an unexpected delay mean for its cargo?
**Dr. Torres:** Delays in docking can lead to increased costs for shipping companies due to demurrage charges and can also hold up cargo that may be urgently needed. In the case of the Maersk Denver, if it carries essential goods, local businesses and consumers may face shortages. Additionally, the inspection process could lead to further delays, impacting customers down the line.
**Interviewer:** What do you think prompted the Spanish government’s decision to refuse docking for these vessels?
**Dr. Torres:** The decision seems related to heightened concerns regarding the contents of the ships, particularly in light of political sensitivities and the ongoing geopolitical situation. Ensuring that no unauthorized cargo is shipped to conflict areas is a priority for many governments, especially in times of rising tensions.
**Interviewer:** How might Maersk and other shipping companies adapt to such regulatory challenges in the future?
**Dr. Torres:** Shipping companies will likely need to enhance their compliance protocols and communication with local authorities. They may also consider alternative routes or ports for sensitive shipments to avoid similar situations in the future. Proactive engagement with government regulations and real-time monitoring of geopolitical developments will be essential.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this urgent matter. It will be interesting to see how Maersk responds and how it affects maritime operations moving forward.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue.
