Maersk Abandons Algeciras: Geopolitical Tensions and EU Emissions Rules Reshape Mediterranean Shipping

This change comes following the decision of the Spanish government, which in November 2024 had refused the docking in Algeciras of two American ships - the Maersk Denver and the Maersk Seletar - suspected of transporting weapons to Israel. This decision follows complaints filed by Izquierda Unida and Sumar, although the shipping company had assured that the ships were respecting international regulations and were not transporting war material, recalls El Debate.

The loss of this route comes in a context of repeated tensions between Madrid and Washington. After refusing entry to the port of Algeciras to American ships, Spain has also refused to buy F-35 fighter jets made in the United States and awarded contracts to Huawei, despite warnings from the United States and the European Union.

European environmental rules could also justify Maersk’s decision to prefer the port of Tanger Med. Since January 2024, the ETS regulation requires ships operating in EU ports to pay for their CO₂ emissions. Although the shipping company claims that its decision is aimed at saving time, experts point out that Tanger Med, which is not subject to the ETS regulation and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, is a formidable competitor for the port of Algeciras.

It should be recalled that on June 17, 2025, Morocco and the United States signed a Declaration of Principles integrating the Moroccan port into the Container Security Initiative (CSI), alongside ports such as Marseille and Gioia Tauro. "These ports will join the prestigious network of Mediterranean ports already holding the CSI designation, including Algeciras (Spain)," the US embassy in Morocco said. Tanger Med’s entry into this network strengthens the ties between Rabat and Washington and allows the port to increase its freight traffic and consolidate its position in the Strait of Gibraltar.