Washington Considers $200,000 Fee on Every Spanish Ship
The US Maritime Commission proposed a $200,000 fee on every Spanish-flagged vessel entering a US port, alongside restrictions on imports valued at $3.1 billion.
The US Federal Maritime Commission has proposed imposing a fee of $200,000 every time a Spanish-flagged vessel enters a US port, according to reporting by gCaptain.
The commission added restrictions on five import categories valued at approximately $3.1 billion of US imports from Spain in 2025. The dispute arises against the backdrop of Spanish ports refusing since November 2024 to receive vessels linked to military cargoes bound for Israel.
The measure is expected to be published in the Federal Register on October 15, followed by 60 days of public comment before any final decision is made. If approved, the fee could increase shipping costs between the two countries and impact the flow of goods across the Atlantic.
Maritime operators are monitoring this matter closely, as it could open the door to similar measures against other nations, adding uncertainty to ocean freight costs and trade routes.
What do these terms mean?
Federal Maritime Commission: A US agency that regulates international ocean shipping and protects US commercial interests in port and maritime transport operations.
Federal Register: The official journal where proposed US decisions and regulations are published, followed by a period open for public comments.
Military Cargoes: Shipments containing equipment or munitions for the military, subject to international restrictions and transport oversight by sea.
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