Maltese Bulk Carrier Sparks Outcry Over Israel Coal Cargo

The Maltese-flagged bulk carrier Fortune has drawn sharp criticism for transporting a shipment of coal bound for Israel’s Port Hadera, in what activists argue is a clear breach of a Colombian export ban. The vessel left Colombia on July 24 and is expected to reach its destination by August 14, despite a government decree prohibiting coal exports to Israel due to the country's ongoing military operations in Gaza.

The Colombian government has labeled coal a “dual-use” commodity, meaning it can serve both civilian and military purposes, and activists argue that this shipment directly defies a presidential ban enacted last year. President Gustavo Petro has condemned the shipment, threatening to have the Colombian Navy intercept vessels headed to Israel in violation of the law.

Meanwhile, Maltese authorities are under pressure from activists urging them to take decisive steps—either forcing the Fortune to return the cargo to Colombia or stripping the ship of its Maltese flag. Adding to the controversy, the vessel has reportedly not transmitted its location for the past nine days.