Merchant Marine opened more than 2,000 serious sanction proceedings in 2025

The total amount of fines imposed in 2025 exceeds €8 million.

The Directorate General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, initiated a total of 2,024 serious sanction proceedings last year, most of them related to maritime safety violations committed by recreational vessels (57%) and jet skis (20%).

According to data provided by the Subdirectorate General for Regulations and International Cooperation, the total amount to be collected from the sanctions imposed in 2025 exceeds €8 million.

The highest sanction in 2025, amounting to €380,000, was imposed on the vessel K ONSET (Liberian flag) for a negligent discharge into the sea at the Port of Ceuta of between 25,000 and 30,000 liters of fuel oil 180, caused by the opening of a crack in the vessel’s fuel tank during bunkering operations.

Among the proceedings opened, there has also been an increase in sanctions against fishing vessels, which accounted for 12% of the total, compared with 9% recorded in 2024.

In total, 2,122 sanction proceedings were initiated in 2025: 2,024 for serious infringements and the remaining 98 for minor offenses.

During this period, 1,907 cases were resolved, including some proceedings initiated in previous years. A total of 215 of the proceedings opened in 2025 remain pending resolution. In addition, 143 appeals and 25 administrative litigation appeals were processed.

For the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine, prevention and the fight against pollution from maritime transport in areas where Spain exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction remain a key priority. In 2025, a total of 16 administrative sanction proceedings for pollution were initiated and 20 were resolved, including cases started in previous years.

In addition to the case of the vessel K ONSET, another notable proceeding involved the vessel LAGERTHA (Malta flag), which was fined €200,000 for an illegal discharge of hydrocarbons into the sea that polluted an area of 12.7 square kilometers and was detected in the act by a Maritime Rescue aircraft.

Also noteworthy is the resolved case of the vessel ARIANNA (Malta flag). Initiated in 2023 and suspended due to related criminal proceedings, it was concluded in 2025 with the imposition of a €180,000 fine for failing to assist a person in the water.