An investigation by the Palestinian Youth Movement and Progressive International accused Maersk of violating a Spanish embargo on military shipments to Israel, alleging that the shipping giant has transported armoured vehicles, aircraft components, parts of artillery systems and other military equipment to Israel, through the Spanish port of Algecira.

The Spanish embargo bars cargo ships carrying weapons that could be used for war crimes from making calls in Spanish ports; in May, the foreign ministry said the rule would apply to military goods bound for Israel.

Calling for Spanish authorities to search the vessels and enforce the ban, the researchers said data shows Maersk has made almost 1,000 shipments of goods to the Israeli military through Algeciras since the embargo announcement.

The US-flagged Maersk Denver was subsequently barred from docking in Spain as a result of the allegations. The vessel subsequently sought entry to Morocco, where it was met with protests, with demonstrators condemning the shipping companies alleged complicity in Israel’s war on Gaza, and calling on port workers to refuse to handle the shipment.

Maersk said in a statement: “The cargo to be transhipped through the port does not include any military weapons or ammunition.”