Port Integrity Campaign launched to tackle corruption in Mumbai ports

July 10, 2019: The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), alongwith the support of the government of India, international organisations, and local industry stakeholders, launched the Port Integrity Campaign in India to tackle corruption in the maritime industry. The pilot of the campaign will take place in Mumbai ports (MbPT and JNPT) till October this year.

Following the pilot, MACN aims to expand the programme to other Indian ports.

The campaign aims to reduce and (in the long term) eliminate integrity issues and bottlenecks to trade during operations in Indian ports. Key activities of the campaign include the implementation of integrity training for port officials and the establishment of clear escalation and reporting processes.

Cecilia Müller Torbrand, executive director, MACN said, “MACN’s experiences in locations including Nigeria, the Suez Canal, and Argentina show us that real change is possible when all parties are engaged. That’s why we are delighted to have the support of so many key stakeholders for this Campaign to improve the operating environment in Indian ports.” Following the pilot, MACN aims to expand the programme to other Indian ports.

Associations like the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI), the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Indian Customs and Central Excise, the Directorate General of Shipping India, the Indian Ports Association (IPA), the Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPPTA), the Maritime Association of Nationwide Shipping Agencies India (MANSA), the Indian Shipowner’s Association (INSA), the Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA), the Federation Of Indian Logistics Associations (FILA), the Danish Embassy, and the Norwegian Consulate General, have put their weight behind the Port Integrity Campaign.

The ministry of shipping, India stated: “We are committed to ensuring that vessels calling port in India do not face unnecessary obstacles or illicit demands. Tackling these issues is good for the shipping industry, for port workers, and for India as a trade destination. We are pleased to be joining forces with MACN and other stakeholders to implement concrete actions with the potential for real impact.”