MACN unveils multi-country drive to raise integrity standards in maritime trade

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has rolled out a new three-year programme designed to strengthen transparency and ethical practices across maritime supply chains in parts of Asia and Europe. The initiative, titled “Transparent Trade Routes: Strengthening Integrity in Maritime Supply Chains,” will be implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia and Germany with financial support from the Siemens Integrity Initiative.

According to MACN, the programme builds on more than six years of collaboration with Siemens and reflects a shared focus on tackling systemic corruption risks in global shipping. MACN Chief Executive Officer Cecilia Müller Torbrand said the long-term backing has helped demonstrate that meaningful reform is achievable when businesses, public authorities and civil society work together under a collective framework.

In Indonesia, the project will concentrate on building a coordinated private-sector coalition around common integrity standards. Planned activities include the rollout of MACN’s Integrity Training programme, the creation of structured platforms for public-private engagement, and the introduction of MACN’s HelpDesk—a real-time reporting and escalation mechanism to support companies facing improper demands during port operations.

In Malaysia, MACN will scale up its earlier pilot at Port Klang, extending anti-corruption efforts to additional ports and a broader range of supply-chain participants. The focus will be on industry training, engagement with government stakeholders and practical guidance to help companies translate compliance requirements into everyday operational behaviour.

In Germany, the initiative will centre on developing targeted compliance training tailored to specific maritime sectors. MACN will also reinforce long-term support through its Associate Membership model, offering guidance on sanctions compliance and the strengthening of corporate integrity and risk-management systems.

At the core of the programme is MACN’s Collective Action approach, which brings together multinational shipping companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, regulators and civil-society organisations. Müller Torbrand said shared principles, combined with structured and data-driven dialogue, are critical to achieving lasting changes in behaviour across complex supply chains.

MACN said the initiative aligns with its broader mission to curb corruption in maritime trade and create fairer conditions for companies that comply with the rules. Founded in 2011, the network has expanded from a small group of shipping firms into a global organisation representing more than 225 member companies.