Activists Demand Action Against Bulker Carrying Coal from Colombia to Israel
An activist group based in Malta has identified a bulk carrier loaded with coal from Colombia destined for Israel and is demanding government action against it, as the flag state of the vessel.
The Greek-owned bulker named Fortune, registered in Malta, left Puerto Drummond with a cargo of coal. The 182,620 DWT ship, constructed in 2016, is currently in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and heading towards Israel.
The situation has sparked outrage on both sides of the Atlantic, with protests against the support of Israel by the vessel. The Colombian government has also voiced its concern, stating that it would use its naval forces to prevent future shipments.
Colombian Government’s Response
The Colombian government has taken a strong stance against the shipment, following a complaint filed by the Colombian Mining Union. In 2024, President Gustavo Petro had prohibited coal shipments and trade with Israel due to the conflict in Gaza.
Colombia’s Minister of Labor, Antonio Sanguino, has called for an investigation into the matter and has threatened to issue a written order for the navy to detain ships bound for Israel.
Activist Group’s Demands
An activist group in Malta has urged the government to intervene as the flag state of the ship. They are demanding that the vessel be sent back to Colombia with the coal or else Malta should remove its flag from the ship.
The group has cited the example of Antigua and Barbuda, which has set a standard for preventing ships trading with Israel in its registry. They believe Malta should follow suit.
Previous Activist Actions
This is not the first time activists have targeted commercial ships carrying coal to Israel. Dockworkers in various ports have refused to handle ships bound for Israel, and Maersk ships contracted by the U.S. government have faced boycotts.
Recently, an Israeli cruise ship operating in the Mediterranean was also met with protests at several ports, indicating a growing trend of activism against vessels supporting Israel.
It remains to be seen how the Maltese government and the international community will respond to the demands of the activists and the Colombian government regarding the bulker carrying coal to Israel.