“In
response to false allegations and malicious rumours circulating in certain
media outlets and on social media platforms, claiming that the company’s
vessels are transporting shipments bound for Israel, Bahri categorically denies
these unfounded claims. These allegations are entirely false and without
merit,” the company said in its statement.
The release comes after dockworkers from Italian union
Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) refused to work on Bahri Yanbu, after
claiming to have found a large shipment of weapons and ammunition onboard the
vessel. USB’s own coverage of the event makes no mention of Israel, but alleged
the weapons shipment lacked necessary paperwork.
The union is currently running a campaign to prevent arms
trafficking in Italian ports, and to resist Italian ports playing a role in
weapons logistics chains.
The union’s “We will not work for war” stance has seen
containers of “war material” turned away from Italian ports. USB has also been
involved in coordinated action with other European unions to target materiel
and weapons-grade materials destined for Israel, cargoes they believe will be
used to carry out genocide in Gaza.
“The company operates
strictly in line with the Kingdom’s declared and consistent policies in support
of the Palestinian cause,” Bahri said in its statement.
“It has never transported any goods or shipments to Israel
and has never been involved in any such operations in any capacity.”
The Saudi ship owner, which has a fleet of 103 vessels in
sectors including oil, products, dry bulk, and break bulk, said it retained the
right to pursue legal action against those spreading malicious claims against
the company.
