Here is Dura Bulk unloading Western Sahara sand in Tenerife
Article image

Sand exports from occupied Western Sahara to Spain continue unabated.

Published 30 June 2017

Dura Bulk is owned and managed by Arabella Enterprises Corporation, based in Las Palmas. The Panama-flagged vessel has been making the voyage from occupied Western Sahara to the Canary Islands for years, each time carrying a consignment of sand taken from the territory. 

Sand from occupied Western Sahara is mainly used for the cement industry on the Islands, or to prop up tourist beaches. Read more about the business behind the sand imports here

Arabella Enterprises owns at least three other vessels that have been spotted frequenting the sea-route between El Aaiun – Las Palmas, sometimes adding a stop at Setubal to the trip; the 'West Sky' (IMO: 6810201), 'Trio Vega' (IMO: 7116133) and the 'Anja Funk' (IMO: 7120720).

In December 2016, the Supreme Court of the EU issued a crystal clear Judgment that Western Sahara is a territory "distinct and separate" of Morocco. Many Spanish regional parliaments have since demanded the full suspension of trade and corporate complicity in the exploitation of natural resources in Western Sahara. 

Over 230 Saharawi refugee children are this year spending the summer months on the Canary Islands - relieving them of the scorching desert heat in the inhospitable Algerian desert where they were born in exile. Meanwhile, the very earth of their homeland is being shipped off to interested buyers on those same Canary Islands.

The photos below were taken at the port of Tenerife on 26 June 2017, as the Dura Bulk was unloading its cargo of sand taken from occupied Western Sahara. 

dura_bulk_1_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download
dura_bulk_2_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download
dura_bulk_3_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download
dura_bulk_4_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download
dura_bulk_6_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download
dura_bulk_7_26_jun_17_610.jpg
Download

COWI abandons future projects in Western Sahara

After undertaking work for the Moroccan state phosphate company in Western Sahara, the Danish consultancy giant COWI states that it “will not engage in further projects" in the occupied territory.

11 March 2024

Report: EU-Morocco fisheries depends on illegal occupation

An external evaluation report on the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement 2019-2023 confirms that the agreement revolves, in its entirety, around Western Sahara.

08 March 2024

SRI update

The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies currently operating in Western Sahara. Updated 6 March 2024.

06 March 2024

Siemens Energy keeps door open to more controversial deals

At the company’s Annual General Meeting on 26 February 2024, Siemens Energy’s board could not rule out any further projects in occupied Western Sahara. 

06 March 2024