US to probe Spanish port for reportedly refusing shipments of arms to Israel

The United States Federal Maritime Commission is investigating three incidents in which Spain refused

port entry to ships reportedly carrying weapons to Israel, two of which were US-flagged, the commission and media reported.

“The commission is concerned that this apparent policy of denying entry to certain vessels will create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade,” it said in a notice published in the Federal Register on Thursday.

Spain could be subjected to millions in fines if it has been found to have interfered with commerce. The maximum fine is $2.3 million per voyage. Spanish ships may also be barred from entering US ports in response.

The commission said it had been made aware on November 19 that ships, including those enrolled in the US-run Maritime Security Program, had been denied entry. The Washington Times named two ships as Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar.

source : jpost