On November 9, a Maersk container ship was denied entry into the Spanish port of Algeciras following concerns raised by Spanish authorities regarding its cargo.

Maersk, a prominent Danish shipping company, refuted allegations that the vessel was transporting weapons intended for Israel. In an official statement, the company clarified that the container being transshipped through the port did not contain any military weapons or ammunition.

The company's response was directed at reports from Spanish media suggesting that the ship was halted due to suspicions of carrying arms for Israel. Additionally, another Maersk vessel, scheduled to arrive later in November, was reportedly prevented from docking.

Spain, which has suspended arms supplies to Israel, is recognized for its firm position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Spanish government has been actively advocating for the recognition of Palestine as a state among other European nations and has recently prohibited vessels delivering military supplies to Israel from docking at Spanish ports.

Maersk expressed perplexity regarding the decision, noting that the cargo aboard the Maersk Denver was comparable to other shipments that had previously been permitted to transit through the port without issue. The company indicated that it had engaged with Spanish authorities to ascertain the rationale behind the ship's blockage, stating, "We seek to understand why this shipment was treated differently, despite its full legality."

It is understood that Spain has revised its policy and is now rejecting any vessels carrying military-related cargo to or from Israel, irrespective of the legality of the shipment. Consequently, the Maersk Denver has altered its course to Tangier and is now en route to Oman.