#BlockTheBoats: Increasing impacts of activism on shipping operations

Sanction protesters oppose the unloading of Israeli-operated ZIM vessel in Seattle, June 2021. Picture: James Anderson/Alamy Stock Photo

14 November 2024 

Renewed protests over shipping to Israel led to multiple vessels being denied port access globally. The KATHRIN’s journey in the past months highlights how activism can impact operations, with broader geopolitical factors suggesting this trend will continue. 

By Léa Allonier, Security Analyst Intern 

The voyage of the Portuguese-flagged KATHRIN drew attention this past month as it was denied authorisation to call in ports in several countries, including Namibia, Slovenia and Malta. Activists online alleged the cargo vessel was carrying explosives bound for Israel and tracked the ship using open-source data.  At the end of its voyage, it likely stopped in Egypt, then continued to Türkiye, where activists boarded the ship in protest.  

The KATHRIN underscores a growing pattern, geographically unconfined, of vessels being targeted based on their perceived ties and alleged cargoes, rather than their specific ownership, flag, or route.  The scope of actors involved is broader, from governments responding to popular pressure, to port workers and trade unions refusing to offload vessels, as seen in Piraeus this October, or staging blockades like at BAE shipyards in the UK. Importantly, such incidents reveal new vulnerabilities linked to the use and spread of information on social media, regardless of verification. 

Protests at ports linked to conflicts are not new, as seen with actions against Russian yachts, tankers or cruise ships. In the context of the Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement against Israel, incidents are increasingly frequent since October 7. For example, there have been several instances of port operations being disrupted across the globe, usually targeting US Navy or ZIM vessels. This trend of moving from direct ties to allegations being virally propagated is echoed by Spanish refusal to let two Maersk ships dock this November, followed by protests in Tangiers where one of them eventually offloaded cargo.  

As the situation in Lebanon and Gaza continues to escalate, it is likely that such incidents will become increasingly frequent, with a range of operational impacts. In the case of the MV KATHRIN, in addition to costly delays, it was denied port-of-call in its destination and had to change flag. The vessel received emergency refuelling and reported being out of water, spare parts and consumables. Worst-case scenarios of violence against crews and port workers, damage to vessels, or suspension of port operations remain highly unlikely. Indeed, during other protests, ports only reported minor impacts linked to workers and trucks being blocked, and police interventions. 

The exposure of companies to reputational risks is linked to broader international debates around arms sales to Israel.  In the case of Spain, the government’s anti-weapons sales position since May has led to a tightening ‘zero-risk’ policy when allegations by activists are made against vessels. The case of actions in Türkiye or Morocco highlights tensions between states’ official positions against Israel and strategic realities. The KATHRIN case feeds into public discontent in recent months as Türkiye likely has been hiding exports to Israel despite a pronounced trade ban in May.  In Egypt, were the KATHRIN probably offloaded its cargo, the government denies it was ever there. Though activists’ actions may not succeed in changing foreign policies with regards to trade with Israel in the short term, it does have the power to disrupt operations and vigilance to political context becomes increasingly important. 

RISK INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM:

Stay ahead of port disruptions: Real-time risk insights for secure maritime operations

With Ports, Risk Intelligence’s advanced port risk assessment tool, you can monitor and assess port disruptions, activist activity, and geopolitical tensions in real time. Ports provides actionable insights to help you plan secure routes, avoid high-risk ports, and minimize operational impacts. Stay ahead of emerging threats with Ports to protect your assets and maintain seamless operations.