Croatian shipowner Uljanik Plovidba has hit back at what it calls "make-believe" news reports seeking to link it to, or blame it for, the ongoing crisis at shipbuilder Uljanik Group.

The company, which operates tankers and bulkers, pointed out it is completely independent from its former parent group.

It said it wanted to make a statement of facts "further to a chain of false, inaccurate and fictional statements published in various press editions and internet portals, originating from unreliable sources at make-believe level, all of which are meant to cause direct damage to the reputation of the company and its management."