Union in Morocco Calls for Boycott of Maersk Ships Amid Allegations of Arms Shipments to Israel

The union representing dockworkers in Morocco has joined the chorus of voices calling for a boycott against Maersk ships allegedly linked to transporting supplies to Israel. The group has issued a statement targeting a transshipment of containers coming from the United States set to be transferred at Morocco’s Tanger Med Port this weekend.

Despite repeated denials from Maersk regarding allegations of transporting weapons to Israel during the conflict in Gaza, the issue continues to haunt the company. Shareholders at Maersk’s annual meeting earlier this year voted down an activist investor resolution that sought to ban the company from shipping arms to Israel.

A spokesperson for Maersk dismissed the current claims as “false and misleading,” attributing them to activist groups. The company maintains that the allegations of transporting weapons or military equipment to Israel are unfounded.

The latest accusations suggest that a container loaded with spare parts for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets was onboard the Maersk Detroit, a vessel bound for the Moroccan port. Reports indicate that the container will be offloaded and transshipped to Israel aboard the Nexoe Maersk.

In response, the Moroccan Union of Port Workers has called for a boycott of the Nexoe Maersk, citing concerns over the reported shipment of military equipment to Israel.

While Maersk denies the allegations, the company clarified that any F-35 parts carried by their vessels are destined for suppliers, not the military, and only go to countries participating in the F-35 program.

Maersk emphasizes its strict policy against transporting weapons or ammunition to conflict zones, asserting that stringent controls are in place to prevent such activities.

Activists have previously targeted Maersk Line, Limited, for its role in carrying U.S. cargoes, with incidents in Spain leading to ship diversions to Morocco due to protests. Maersk operates the terminal in Tanger Med where the current transshipment is expected to occur.

Photo: Nexoe Maersk in 2023 by Farid Mernissi (CC BY 4.0)