The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, initiated a total of 2,024 serious sanctioning files in 2025, most of which were related to violations of maritime safety committed by recreational vessels (57%) and jet skis (20%). The data, provided by the General Subdirectorate of Regulation and International Cooperation, indicates that the total amount of the sanctions exceeds 8 million euros.
The highest sanction of the year was imposed on the vessel ‘K ONSET’, registered under the flag of Liberia, which received a fine of 380,000 euros for negligent dumping into the sea in the Port of Ceuta of between 25,000 and 30,000 liters of fuel oil 180, caused by the opening of a crack in its fuel tank during supply operations. Another relevant case was that of the vessel ‘LAGERTHA’, registered under the flag of Malta, fined 200,000 euros for an unlawful discharge of hydrocarbons that contaminated 12.7 square kilometers and was detected in the act by a Maritime Rescue plane. In addition, the vessel ‘ARIANNA’, also registered under the flag of Malta, received a fine of 180,000 euros for denying assistance to a person in the water, a file initiated in 2023 and concluded in 2025 after the criminal prejudiciality was resolved.
Last year, a total of 2,122 sanctioning files were initiated, of which 2,024 were serious and 98 were minor. Among them, fishing vessels accounted for 12% of the sanctions, compared to 9% recorded in 2024. During this period, 1,907 files were resolved, while 215 remain pending resolution, and 143 appeals and 25 contentious-administrative appeals were processed.
The DGMM maintains a priority focus on the prevention and fight against maritime pollution in areas under sovereignty, sovereign rights, or Spanish jurisdiction. During 2025, 16 sanctioning administrative procedures for pollution were initiated and 20 were resolved, including cases from previous years. These figures reflect the commitment of the Merchant Marine to safety, environmental protection, and responsibility in maritime activity.