Port Authority investigates false security alert as cyber breach suspected

The Port Authority of Nueva Singapur confirmed Saturday that a breach of its operational network triggered a false hazmat warning at 04:47 local time, forcing the evacuation of three berths and the suspension of container-loading operations. The alert, which claimed dangerous chemical vapours had been detected in storage sector seven, was retracted forty minutes later when staff found no evidence of contamination. Port Authority officials said the breach appeared deliberate and targeted the terminal's vessel-scheduling database.

The incident halted operations for the Meridian Star, the Oriente Trader, and the Federal Commerce—three mid-sized container vessels scheduled to depart Nueva Singapur for Costa Mar and Tierra Verde. Combined cargo delays totalled approximately four thousand containers. The Port Authority's security team isolated the affected systems and restored full operations by 08:15, though a formal forensic investigation is ongoing.

Federal Interior Minister Tomás Vidal issued a statement Sunday confirming that the Federal Bureau of Cyber Security has been notified and will conduct a parallel investigation. He said preliminary findings suggest the breach originated from an external actor with knowledge of the terminal's alert protocols. No vessel data is believed to have been exfiltrated, though the Port Authority is conducting a full audit of its shipping manifests and berthing records.