Logistics operators and transport companies involved in maritime transport between Spain and the United States have received formal requests for data and reports to assess the impact of recent Spanish port policies. The underlying problem arises following the refusal of Spanish authorities to authorize the stopover of at least three US military ships in the port of Algeciras, Cadiz, in November 2024. According to Europa Press, the Federal Maritime Commission of the United States has opened an investigation to determine whether this restriction has a negative impact on trade and logistics relations between the two countries and is threatening economic sanctions that could amount to $2.3 million per voyage by Spanish-flagged ships.
According to Europa Press, the US Commission wants to clarify whether Spain’s refusal to allow the docking of North American cargo ships with weapons destined for Israel has led to distortions in maritime competition or created particularly unfavorable conditions for US operators. This ongoing process includes the compilation of detailed reports, statements from businessmen and official documents related to trade flows and logistics between Spain, the United States and the Middle East. The review focuses in particular on the Spanish response related to routes to Israel, a key point of US strategy in the region.
The dossier initiated by the regulator considers the possibility of imposing economic sanctions and commercial retaliation if it is confirmed that the Spanish restrictions have a negative impact on the operations and competitiveness of transport and maritime companies in the United States. Europa Press reports that measures being considered include closing US ports to Spanish ships or imposing significant fines per trip; However, the Commission has made it clear that there is no final decision yet and that future measures will depend on a strict assessment of evidence and compliance with relevant legal procedures.
The Federal Maritime Commission has emphasized, as Europa Press reports, that the investigation process is still open. No final solution has been adopted regarding overall cargo limits or access to port terminals in the United States for Spanish-flagged vessels. Washington reiterates that Madrid’s policy remains in force and that it constitutes a direct interference in the fulfillment of the United States’ international obligations, particularly with regard to the supply of arms to the Middle East region.
Bilateral consultations between both governments continue as the shipping and logistics industry closely monitors the progress of the investigation. According to Europa Press, one of the Commission’s main objectives is to ensure equal treatment of American players in the global market and to prevent discriminatory practices that could arise from Spanish port policy. In addition to the potential impact on trade exchanges, it also assesses possible changes to supply chains and port logistics related to transatlantic trade and United States military operations in conflict areas.
Europa Press explained that the compilation of testimonies, reports and relevant documents aims to provide an objective overview of the real impact of the restrictions imposed by Spain. The analysis covers both the concrete application of the policy in ports, particularly in the case of Algeciras, and the impact on the fluidity of international maritime transport. The investigation includes a review of sectoral competition and transparency in access to sea routes considered strategic by US authorities.
The federal authority emphasized, as Europa Press reported, that any decision on sanctions, access restrictions or compensatory measures depends on the knowledge and evidence collected. The analysis includes consultation with shipping companies, logistics companies and other economic actors involved in bilateral transport, as well as consideration of the current legal framework both in the US and in the international context.
Washington’s official position stipulates that all arguments raised will be examined in detail and that interested parties can continue to provide information before deciding on possible retaliation. Until the dossier is closed and the Commission presents its final solution based on the legal framework, Spanish shipping operators remain uncertain about future access to US ports. Europa Press said future decisions could reshape transatlantic logistics operations and that the outcome of this case could affect the handling of similar disputes in international trade.
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