Discover the Key-Bay: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 18, 2017, Spanish lawmakers demanded an explanation from their government regarding the controversial decision to permit the 'Key Bay' to continue its voyage to France. This vessel, loaded with fish oil sourced from Laayoune in the disputed Western Sahara, had made a stopover at the port of Las Palmas on January 14. In a correspondence directed to Spanish Foreign Minister Florent Marcellesi, Finance Minister Jorge Luis Bail, and Minister Maria del Pilar Alvarez Leon, the officials called for an elucidation of the legal framework that enabled the dispatch of the ship despite awareness of its contentious cargo and a suspension by the Court of Justice. The fish oil, which was loaded on January 7 in Laayoune, was anticipated to arrive in Fécamp around January 20, following its refueling stop at Las Palmas. During this stop, the Guardia Civil conducted a thorough examination of the vessel and its documents related to the fish oil transport. Spanish authorities reportedly identified that the transportation permits had been issued by the Moroccan occupation authorities, a move they claimed contravened international law. Under such laws, goods of this nature can only enter European markets under valid certificates of origin and health assurances from the governing entity of the source region. Despite these legal discrepancies, Spanish customs officials opted to allow the ship's continuation on the grounds that it was merely in transit and not bound for Las Palmas. This decision incited questions among Spanish representatives regarding the legitimacy of the Moroccan-issued documentation for the cargo. They also sought confirmation on whether the exports from Western Sahara to Spain and the EU had been sanctioned by the Polisario Front. Furthermore, they urged the Spanish government to ensure enforcement against the entry of products lacking valid origin certificates, as mandated by European regulations. In response to these developments, the Polisario Front has declared its intent to file a formal complaint with European and French authorities, denouncing the unlawful loading of fish oil onto the 'Key Bay' in Laayoune.

In a significant transaction, a maritime vessel has been sold to an undisclosed buyer for the sum of $4.4 million. The identity of the buyer remains confidential, adding an air of intrigue to the sale. This transaction demonstrates the ongoing activities within the maritime market, reflecting the dynamic nature of vessel ownership and investment opportunities.