The United States has moved forward with its investigation into Spain over restrictions imposed on vessels carrying cargo linked to Israel, including ships denied access to the Port of Algeciras, according to a report published by the Spanish newspaper Europa Sur.
Citing an official document from the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Europa Sur reported that the American maritime regulator considers Spain’s policy to be potentially creating “unfavorable general or special conditions” for US maritime commerce, and is examining whether corrective or retaliatory measures could be applied.
According to the report, the FMC confirmed that the Spanish restrictions remain in force and announced the opening of a second phase of the investigation, focused on gathering additional information before deciding whether sanctions should be imposed. Any measures adopted could directly affect maritime traffic between Spain and the United States.
The investigation was launched in December 2024 after Spain denied docking rights at APM Terminals in the Port of Algeciras to three US-flagged container ships operated by Maersk under the Maritime Security Program (MSP): Maersk Denver, Maersk Nysted, and Maersk Seletar. The refusals occurred between November 9 and 14 of that year.
As reported by Europa Sur, Spanish authorities justified the decision by invoking port sovereignty and their interpretation of national, European, and international law, arguing that the vessels were transporting cargo linked to Israel.
The FMC noted that the Algeciras case was not isolated. The report recalled that in May 2024 another ship was denied access to a Spanish port for transporting weapons destined for Israel, which the regulator sees as reinforcing a broader pattern of action.
Rather than being relaxed, Spain’s policy has become more consolidated, the FMC said. Europa Sur reported that on September 8, 2025, the Spanish government announced a “multifaceted” strategy aimed at restricting the transit of certain cargoes to Israel, including a ban on the use of Spanish ports and airspace by ships and aircraft carrying weapons or fuel for Israel’s military.
According to the commission, this stance suggests Spain considers itself entitled to deny access to its port facilities based on the nature, origin, or destination of cargo, a practice that could affect US maritime transport interests.
Under Chapter 421 of Title 46 of the US Code, the FMC is authorized to investigate and address foreign measures that harm US maritime commerce. Possible responses include restricting voyages to and from US ports, imposing per-voyage fees, limiting cargo types or volumes on Spain-linked vessels, or requesting action by the US Department of Homeland Security.
The issue carries particular weight given the strategic maritime relationship between the Port of Algeciras and the United States. As Europa Sur noted, the port is connected to the US through two regular shipping services operated by CMA CGM and Maersk, linking Algeciras with major American ports.
These routes make Algeciras a key hub for Andalusian exports to the US, especially olive oil, raising concerns that any FMC measures could have a significant impact on maritime traffic through the Strait of Gibraltar.
The FMC stressed that its jurisdiction is broad and that it can act on specific routes or maritime trade more generally.
Before taking any action, the commission has launched a second round of information-gathering, requesting additional details on Spanish port bans involving Israel-linked cargo, the reasons provided, whether alternatives were offered, and the impact on routes, schedules, transshipment operations, and logistics costs.
It also requested data on Spain-linked vessels calling at US ports and on cargo categories that could be affected if countermeasures are adopted.
According to Europa Sur, the FMC’s final decision will depend on the information it receives over the next 60 days and its assessment of the scope and impact of the restrictions applied at ports such as Algeciras.
