FMC proposes $200,000 per-voyage fee on Spanish-flagged vessels and restrictions on certain Spanish imports

The Federal Maritime Commission is proposing a $200,000 per-voyage fee on Spanish-flagged vessels and restrictions on imports of certain Spanish goods, according to an Oct. 14 press release. Imports facing possible restriction include perfumery and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, articles of stone, and sugar and confectionaries; the FMC is still considering whether to broadly limit, target, or limit only certain of those categories. The proposal follows an FMC investigation initiated in 2024 that found Spain denied U.S.-flagged vessels, including two Maersk vessels operating under the Maritime Security Program, access to its ports. Public comment ends Dec. 14, and Spain will be given an opportunity for a hearing.