Ship carrying Israel explosives requests Portugal flag removal after weeks of pressure

A Portuguese-flagged ship carrying explosives bound for Israel has requested for its registration in Madeira to be cancelled, according to a report.

The German-owned MV Kathrin is due to arrive in Montenegro on Thursday, where the explosives will be transferred to arms manufacturers producing weapons for Israel. The ship will also head to Slovenia to offload the cargo, according to Amnesty International.

Citing an unnamed official source, Portugal Resident said the move comes after "endeavours and requests for clarification" from Portugal's government, which "has been evaluating the situation and consulting with the shipowner".

"It won’t be sailing under the Portuguese flag. This issue is over," the source quoted by Portugal Resident said, adding that the process will take 2-3 days. The ship will not be able to dock until the process is completed, according to the report.

Lisbon, which has been critical of Israel's war on Gaza, has come under pressure to remove the Portuguese national flag from the ship after Namibia refused to allow the ship to dock in August over the Israel-bound explosives.

Last week, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine Francesca Albanese urged Portugal to take action.

"Over the past year, I have commended #Portugal's principled stance concerning Palestine, especially in the face of the hypocrisy displayed by many other European countries," Albanese wrote on X.

"I now implore the Portuguese government to preserve this integrity, and urgently request the removal of its flag from Vessel #Kathrin, as it carries weapons destined to Israel," she added, highlighting the obligation of states to "respect and ensure respect" for the Geneva convention in light of the World Court's recognition of plausible genocide in Gaza.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed over 41,000 Palestinians and wounded tens of thousands more, with vast areas of the coastal enclave now in ruins.

The war has brought increased scrutiny on arms transfers to Israel, which has been accused of committing genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Tuesday, Amnesty urged Portugal, Slovenia and Montenegro not to assist in the delivery of the explosives to Israel over fears that the weapons will be used to commit war crimes in Gaza.

"The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel as there is a clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes against Palestinian civilians," said Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia.

"Namibia rightfully upheld its international obligations by ensuring that the MV Kathrin did not transit military cargo to Israel through its port. Now it is up to Slovenia, Montenegro and all other states to do the same and avoid facilitating an unlawful transfer."