Spain's Reported Port Denials Threaten US Supply Chains, FMC Commissioner Says
Recent reports of actions by the Spanish government to deny port access to certain U.S. ships could “strain” U.S. trade ties between the two countries, Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis Sola warned in a Dec. 19 statement. He said he’s concerned Spain's actions could threaten U.S. critical supply chains and that he supports the FMC’s ongoing investigation of the matter.
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“Spain must uphold the traditions and commitments of port states to allow vessels to call and trade to flow,” Sola said. He said Spain’s port access denials are “inconsistent with how friendly nations treat each other” and “jeopardize the trust that is essential to mutual economic growth and supply chain security.”
The FMC announced a probe of the situation earlier this month after Spain reportedly turned away U.S.-flagged vessels participating in the U.S. Maritime Security Program, which includes merchant ships that can be called on by the Pentagon in times of conflict (see 2412050013). Spain has reportedly been denying port access to ships that it believes are transporting U.S. weapons to Israel.