Background and Rationale
MACN’s incident data shows that requests for small in-kind payments (for example, cigarettes, alcohol, and soft drinks) are frequently made across Indian ports. Rejecting such demands leads to threats of delays to the vessel and threats of fines for alleged non-compliance. Some vessels have also reported denial of shore passes for the crew. Further, problems have been reported relating to the burdensome documentation processes. One of the key ambitions of the Government of India is to improve the national business climate in their “Ease of Doing Business” Plan. MACN’s proposals and ideas for strengthening integrity at ports are timely and align closely with the priorities of the Government.
MACN’s Strategy
In 2019, MACN started building momentum in India with the launch of a Say No Campaign, aimed to reduce integrity issues and operational bottlenecks in Indian ports. The campaign brought together the Indian Government, MACN members, and local industry stakeholders in Mumbai ports (MbPT and JNPT) and was successfully tested for six months.
Building upon the experience gained, we have further refined our strategy in 2021 as part of our South Asia Expansion Initiative. The key components of this strategy include:
- Build stronger business Collective Action among the private sector operators in Indian ports;
- Build capacity and foster a culture of integrity across the maritime private sector value chain, and among key public sector port agencies in India;
- Build public-private partnerships for addressing integrity challenges across the maritime value chain in India.
Outcomes and Impact
- Anti-Corruption Recommendations: MACN contributed to the development of anti-corruption recommendations.
- High-Level Support: government commitment to combat corruption at the highest level.
- Help Desk Implementation: MACN launched and operationalized the Help Desk. The Help Desk enables port users to report and track incidents of corrupt demands. This initiative has increased stakeholder capacity for anti-corruption management and reduced the cost of doing business. The Help Desk number is +44 7418375922
- A Steering Committee, with representatives from:
- Indian Ports Association (IPA)
- The Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA)
- CONTAINER SHIPPING LINES ASSOCIATION (CSLA)
- Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA)
- Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA)
- Maritime Associations of Nationwide Shipping Agencies (MANSA)
- GlobalMET
We have strengthened our team with the addition of an India-based Project Manager, a Senior Advisor, and a Maritime Expert. In July 2022, we organized a Launch Campaign, attended by more than 150 participants. And in September of 2023, Mumbai will host our member meeting.
