Sonia Parmar –
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) India has called for deeper industry-wide collaboration and greater participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of efforts to strengthen integrity across India’s maritime sector.
The message emerged strongly during MACN India’s Every Conversation Matters forum held at Bharat Ratnam, Mumbai, which brought together shipping professionals, industry representatives and maritime cadets to discuss practical measures for advancing transparency, ethical conduct and collective action against corruption.
The event attracted more than 70 registered participants, along with cadets from Anglo-Eastern Ship Management and other members of the maritime community, reflecting growing industry interest in addressing integrity-related challenges through collaborative engagement.
A key focus of the discussions was the gap that often exists between corporate compliance frameworks and the realities faced by maritime personnel on the ground. Participants highlighted issues such as commercial pressures on seafarers, uncertainty during port calls, concerns over retaliation when reporting improper demands and the need for stronger organisational support systems for Masters and port agents. The importance of effective reporting mechanisms, accountability and measurable integrity standards was also emphasised.
One of the most significant outcomes of the forum was a broad consensus on the need to extend MACN’s engagement beyond traditional shipping stakeholders to include SMEs and other participants across the maritime value chain. Delegates noted that efforts to combat corruption cannot rest solely with shipping companies, as port agents, sub-agents, freight forwarders, service providers and other maritime businesses all play critical roles in maintaining supply chain integrity.
Participants observed that wider SME involvement, including through MACN’s Associate Membership framework where appropriate, could provide access to compliance resources, training opportunities, peer-learning networks and integrity awareness programmes for businesses that may lack the capacity to implement such initiatives independently.
The discussions further reinforced MACN India’s commitment to strengthening public-private collaboration, enhancing reporting and support mechanisms, and building stronger partnerships among industry stakeholders, government authorities, ports, training institutions and seafarers.
The overarching message from the event was unequivocal: strengthening maritime integrity requires participation from every stakeholder in the supply chain. As attendees stressed, every link matters, every conversation counts, and collective action remains the foundation for building a transparent, accountable and corruption-free maritime industry in India.
Marex Media