Update: UMS Denies Involvement in Alleged Port Said Scam

zoom United Mediterranean Shipping Co. denied claims of the companys reported involvement in attempts at boarding vessels at the Port Said anchorage claiming to be acting on behalf of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). Last week marine insurer Skuld cautioned masters, crew and vessels calling at Egyptian ports and transiting the Suez Canal of alleged attempts by unauthorised persons to gain access to ships for the purpose of committing fraud. According to Skulds issued warning, the said individuals claimed to be from a company called “United Mediterranean Shipping” and were arranging blood tests and then asking for a payment. United Mediterranean Shipping told World Maritime News that the claims were untrue and unsubstantiated by any kind of written proof. The SCA stated that they were not engaged in any such program and that no one had been authorized to engage in such activity on the SCA’s behalf. Anyone claiming to be representing the SCA in this regard is acting unlawfully and without authority, the authority added. World Maritime News Staff