Delphine Estibeiro –
Ensuring ethical conduct in maritime operations requires more than corporate policies and compliance frameworks. It demands practical support, clear reporting mechanisms and collective accountability across the maritime value chain. This was the key message that emerged from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) India’s Every Conversation Matters workshop held in Chennai on 30th September.
Hosted at The Presidency Club, a longstanding meeting venue for members of the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the workshop brought together a diverse cross-section of industry stakeholders, including shipowners, port agents, maritime professionals and seafarers, to discuss practical challenges in maintaining ethical standards during port calls.
The event drew strong participation, with 50 attendees representing various segments of the maritime industry. The gathering also included cadets from the Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training (HIMT), underscoring the importance of engaging the next generation of maritime professionals in integrity and compliance initiatives.
A central theme of the discussions was the disconnect that can exist between corporate zero-tolerance policies and the realities faced on the ground. Participants highlighted concerns ranging from uncertainty surrounding port clearances and commercial pressures to apprehensions that reporting improper demands could result in operational delays or affect future vessel calls.
Industry representatives stressed that responsibility for addressing such challenges should not rest solely with ship Masters or local port agents. Instead, effective anti-corruption efforts require robust internal procedures, accessible reporting channels and visible support from company leadership to ensure individuals are empowered to act without fear of repercussions.
The workshop also underscored the critical role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the maritime ecosystem. Participants noted that local agents, sub-agents and service providers are indispensable to port operations and must be actively included in industry-wide initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and ethical business practices.
Discussions further explored the possibility of establishing measurable integrity standards for port agents, alongside practical measures such as improved documentation processes, greater transparency in transactions and stronger support mechanisms for those who refuse to comply with improper requests.
One of the workshop’s notable features was the Commitment Wall, where participants pledged to champion ethical conduct within their respective organisations. Commitments focused on strengthening management accountability, encouraging open reporting, supporting seafarers and advancing anti-corruption awareness throughout the industry.
The workshop was led by Capt Nilesh Murdeshwar of MACN India, Capt Vivek Menon, Chief Operating Officer, MACN, and Ms Helene Schulz, Member Relations and Event Coordinator, MACN, who facilitated discussions and engagement among attendees.
The Chennai gathering reinforced an important industry message: maritime integrity becomes meaningful only when ethical principles are consistently applied in daily operations and supported at every level of the organisation. As the sector navigates evolving regulatory and operational challenges, collaborative efforts such as these continue to play a vital role in fostering more transparent, accountable and resilient port operations.
MACN India reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging dialogue, strengthening partnerships and driving collective action aimed at advancing integrity across the maritime industry.
Marex Media