Bulker Loaded with Coal for Israel Becomes Center of Controversy

An activist group in Malta has raised alarms over a coal-laden bulker, the Fortune, which is en route from Colombia to Israel. The ship, registered in Malta, has sparked protests from both Colombian officials and activists in Malta, demanding immediate government intervention. Colombia’s government has threatened to deploy its navy to halt future shipments, citing a decree that prohibits coal trade with Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Activist Demands and Government Response

The Fortune, a Greek-owned vessel weighing 182,620 dwt, departed from Puerto Drummond in Colombia and is currently sailing across the Atlantic with a destination set for Israel. Activists have urged the Maltese government to take action as the ship’s flag state, calling for the vessel to be redirected back to Colombia. They argue that Malta should follow the example of Antigua and Barbuda, which has taken steps to prevent ships registered under its flag from trading with Israel.

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This situation escalated when Colombia’s mining union filed a formal complaint regarding the shipment. President Gustavo Petro, who had previously issued a decree prohibiting coal shipments to Israel, expressed his discontent on social media, labeling the shipment a “challenge to my government.” He has called for an urgent meeting with labor unions and has indicated that the Colombian Navy may be ordered to intercept ships bound for Israel if necessary.

Petro’s administration is working closely with various organizations to investigate the matter further. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has prompted heightened scrutiny of international trade practices involving Israel. The Colombian government’s stance reflects a broader commitment to uphold its policies in light of the geopolitical tensions.

Historical Context and Ongoing Protests

This incident is not an isolated case; it highlights a growing trend of activism against commercial vessels transporting goods to Israel. In recent years, dockworkers in various ports have refused to handle ships bound for Israel, and there have been organized boycotts against companies like Maersk Line Ltd., which operates under contracts with the U.S. government. Additionally, protests have targeted Israeli cruise ships in the Mediterranean, signaling a broader movement against trade with Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.

The situation surrounding the Fortune serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international shipping and trade, particularly in politically charged contexts. As activists and governments on both sides of the Atlantic continue to voice their concerns, the fate of the Fortune and its cargo remains uncertain, with potential implications for future coal shipments from Colombia to Israel.