Over worries it violates international law and a Colombian export restriction, activist group Ġustizzja għallPalestina has urged the Maltese government to compel a Malta-flagged vessel to return its coal shipment or deflag the vessel.
Leaving Colombia on July 24 with coal destined for Israel’s Port Hadera, where it is set to reach on August 14, the bulk carrier flying the Maltese flag, the Fortune.The campaigners claim the shipment violates a decree issued last year by Colombian President Gustavo Petro prohibiting coal exports to Israel because it is used to create energy for military activities.
President Petro called the Fortune’s journey a clear challenge to his administration and ordered Colombia’s navy to detain vessels attempting same cargo. Petro said, alleging Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, “Not a single tonne of coal will go to Israel.”
Furthermore raising questions about the ship’s tracking status, Ġustizzja for Palestine.According the group, the Fortune had not adjusted its position in more than nine days, breaking maritime safety regulations.Still headed for Israel, its final noted position was off the coast of the Dominican Republic.
The group urged Malta to fulfil its responsibility over boats flying its flag, saying, “If delivered, the coal will feed Israel’s energy grid, which powers illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights.”
They asked the Maltese authorities to guarantee the Fortune is stripped of its Maltese registration or delivers its cargo to Colombia.Citing recent examples of similar shipments, the group also repeated calls for Malta to outlaw the carriage of any military or dual use goods on board Malta flagged ships.
They lauded Antigua and Barbuda for adopting such a stance and called Malta to follow suite.Their statement said, “To do nothing is to fail Malta’s responsibility to stop Israel’s growing atrocities against the Palestinian people.”
The call comes against escalating criticism of Malta flagged ships tied to Israeli arms and supply routes.A Dutch registered vessel carrying munitions materials was turned away from Malta last month. June also saw the group point out worries about a container vessel bearing Malta-flagged steel destined for Israel.
Public reaction still has to come from Transport Malta.
