By GMM News | 2024-08-02 | International Shipping News |

The arrival of the US-flagged oil tanker Overseas Santorini headed for Israel has sparked a major political controversy in Gibraltar and neighbouring Spain.

The tanker carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of military-grade jet fuel arrived in Gibraltar on July 30, 2024, night amid ongoing protests and calls for intervention by local and international authorities.

The Overseas Santorini, owned by the Overseas Shipping Group (OSG), is believed to be transporting fuel for the Israeli military, possibly for F-16 and F-35 fighter jets involved in operations in Gaza.

British MPs, including former International Development Select Committee chair Sarah Champion and ex-shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, have urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to stop the tanker from docking at Gibraltar.

They argue that allowing the vessel to bunker at Gibraltar would make the territory involved in Israel’s alleged violations of international laws and contribute to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Protests have increased in response to the tanker’s presence, with 150 people marching in Algeciras, Spain, calling for authorities to deny the vessel entry.Local port worker unions and Spanish politicians have both expressed objections.

The tanker, initially planned to dock at the Spanish port of Algeciras changed route to Gibraltar after complaints.

On July 29, 2024, a group of 18 British MPs wrote a joint letter to the UK Foreign Secretary and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, urging the UK government to act.They have urged measures to prevent Gibraltar from being used as a refuelling stop for military fuel bound for Israel.

 

The letter expresses concerns over the use of the fuel for Israeli strikes in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

The tanker was seen anchoring off Gibraltar on Tuesday afternoon, initially in an area typically reserved for vessels awaiting clearance for bunkering.

The Gibraltar Chronicle reported that it later moved to an eastern anchorage where bunkering is not permitted.

Observers are monitoring the situation to see if the vessel will be allowed to go to the designated bunkering spot.

Earlier this year, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion warning against supporting Israeli actions in Gaza.

Spain has already made efforts to stop weapons-laden ships from entering its ports, and similar measures have been implemented in other countries, including Australia.

Reference: The Guardian