FMC probes Spain's port bans and fees on US vessels amid military cargo disputes, potentially imposing fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage.
Spanish-flagged vessels could face US fees of up to US$2.3 million per voyage and bans from American ports as the Federal Maritime Commission intensifies its probe into Spain's refusal of US and Danish ships carrying military cargo to Israel, reported New York's Journal of Commerce.
The FMC is reviewing industry comments until Feb. 20 after issuing a notice in December questioning whether Spain is creating conditions unfavorable to foreign trade. The commission cited Spain's refusal in November 2024 to admit three US-flag vessels operating under the Maritime Security Programme.
The ships - the Maersk Denver, Maersk Nysted, and Maersk Seletar - were denied entry after departing New York ports with cargo bound for Israel. Spain also turned away the Danish multipurpose vessel Marianne Danica in May 2024, which El Pais reported was carrying 27 tonnes of explosives from India to Haifa.
Spain last September adopted measures banning ships and aircraft transporting weapons to Israel and blocking tankers carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using Spanish ports and airspace. The FMC said these policies continue to create conditions unfavorable to US foreign commerce.
The FMC launched its initial investigation in December 2024, receiving more than 8,000 comments, many focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The commission is now seeking further input on whether Spain's actions warrant penalties.
Possible measures include imposing multimillion-dollar fees on Spanish-flag ships, restricting voyages to US ports, limiting cargo types and amounts, and directing the Department of Homeland Security to detain or fine vessels.
The inquiry is part of broader FMC efforts to reshape maritime policy. In 2025, the commission opened probes into chokepoints seen as threats to US security and into foreign flagging practices that may hinder US trade. Both investigations remain active.
