MSC invests more in security
Following an incident of drug trafficking onboard one of its vessels, MSC has invested a double-digit amount of million USD on security enhancements so far.
Since the "MSC Gayane" was caught by US Customs and Border Protection in the Port of Philadelphia in June 2019 transporting 15.5 t of cocaine, security has become a major issue for the Swiss carrier. The value of the drugs is estimated to be beyond a billion USD.
The 10,000 teu "MSC Gayane" called at ports in the Bahamas, Panama, Colombia and Peru before arriving in Philadelphia. MSC itself has not been charged in connection with the smuggling incident, but several former crew members have been indicted.
The carrier recently stated that it has enhanced its anti-smuggling systems since then. This includes expanded deployment of teams of security guards, onboard CCTV cameras monitored remotely by third-party security specialists and routine vessel inspections. In total, MSC said its investments from 2019 to 2024 will exceed USD 100 million. (cd)