The US Federal Maritime Commission has widened its information-gathering in an investigation into Spain’s alleged restrictive port practices, after Spanish authorities refused docking privileges at Algeciras to US-flagged vessels operated under Maersk in November 2024.
In a notice published on 22 December 2025, the FMC said it is seeking additional public comment on “ongoing restrictions” that may be creating conditions unfavourable to shipping in US foreign trade, and on potential measures the Commission could consider to counterbalance those restrictions. Comments are due by 20 February 2026.
The FMC said multiple sources confirmed that, between 9 November 2024 and 14 November 2024, Spain refused docking privileges at APM Terminals in Algeciras to three US-flagged vessels operating under the US Maritime Security Program: Maersk Denver, Maersk Nysted, and Maersk Seletar.
In an update issued on 19 December 2025, the Commission reiterated that arbitration or commercial arrangements do not limit its ability to examine foreign government practices affecting US shipping, and outlined a range of potential remedies it may weigh. These include limitations on cargo, refusal of entry to vessels operating under Spain’s flag, or fines up to the current inflation-adjusted limit of $2,304,629 per voyage on Spanish-flagged vessels, depending on any findings.
The matter was initially opened in December 2024, when the FMC launched a formal investigation and requested industry input on reported denials of entry into Spanish ports involving vessels linked to US foreign commerce.
