German Cargo Ship MV Kathrin Faces International Dispute Over Explosives Shipment to Israel
German Cargo Ship MV Kathrin Faces International Dispute Over Explosives Shipment to Israel
The German cargo ship MV Kathrin has become embroiled in a significant international dispute and legal case, underscoring the complexities of global law, maritime logistics, and geopolitical issues.
The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) recently submitted an urgent request to Berlin’s Administrative Court, seeking to prevent the delivery of military-grade explosives to Israel.
Sailing under the German flag, the MV Kathrin is reportedly carrying 150 metric tons of RDX, a powerful explosive, stored in eight containers bound for Israeli Military Industries, an arm of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company. This explosive is intended for the production of weapons such as bombs, mortars, and rockets, raising legal and ethical concerns from ELSC regarding potential breaches of international law.
Represented by Berlin human rights attorney Ahmed Abed on behalf of three Gaza-based Palestinians, the legal motion urges the German government to block the shipment to prevent actions that could be construed as crimes against humanity, genocide, or war crimes in Gaza.
“Germany has an obligation to intervene concerning the German freighter MV Kathrin because both the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law require it,” stated Abed.
The ship has faced numerous obstacles in its journey, initially denied port entry by Namibia in August upon discovering the military nature of its cargo. Attempts to dock at other African and Mediterranean ports followed, culminating in Portugal revoking the ship’s flag in mid-October, prompting it to reflag under Germany, per ELSC.
Several international organizations have expressed concern. Both the UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Amnesty International have advocated for the suspension of the shipment, pointing to requirements under the Genocide Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty.
“The suspected munitions on the MV Kathrin should not be allowed to reach Israel, as they pose a significant risk of facilitating war crimes against Palestinian civilians,” said Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia.
As the court case progresses, the ultimate outcome for the ship and its contentious cargo remains unresolved, exemplifying the ongoing tensions between global commerce, national agendas, and humanitarian considerations.
AIS ship tracking data from October 28 shows the vessel anchored in the Eastern Mediterranean off Alexandria, Egypt.
