The
International Maritime Organization (IMO) is to address maritime corruption by
including the issue in its work programme for the Facilitation Committee.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) is to address maritime corruption by
including the issue in its work programme for the Facilitation Committee.
The decision to include an
anti-corruption agenda came at the latest meeting of the IMO’s Facilitation
Committee (FAL) in response to a submission from Liberia, Marshall Islands,
Norway, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu.
anti-corruption agenda came at the latest meeting of the IMO’s Facilitation
Committee (FAL) in response to a submission from Liberia, Marshall Islands,
Norway, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu.
The International Chamber of Shipping
(ICS) co-sponsored the submission along with a number of other non-governmental
organisations (NGOs).
(ICS) co-sponsored the submission along with a number of other non-governmental
organisations (NGOs).
“Corruption erodes trust in government
and undermines the social contract. Corruption impedes investment, with
consequent effects on growth and jobs. This is a global issue but we all need
to work to eradicate corrupt practices,” Guy
Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said.
and undermines the social contract. Corruption impedes investment, with
consequent effects on growth and jobs. This is a global issue but we all need
to work to eradicate corrupt practices,” Guy
Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said.
According to the Maritime Anti-Corruption
Networks anonymous reporting mechanism, which was set up in 2011, there have
been over 28,000 incidents already reported.
Networks anonymous reporting mechanism, which was set up in 2011, there have
been over 28,000 incidents already reported.
“We are all aware that corruption in the
maritime sector exists in many areas and as we have heard from the document
introduction, corrupt practices, particularly with respect to the ship/shore
interface, can lead to interruptions to normal operations, can incur higher
operational costs for the shipowner and can have an impact on seafarers’
well-being,” Chris Oliver, Nautical
Director at the International Chamber of Shipping, said.
maritime sector exists in many areas and as we have heard from the document
introduction, corrupt practices, particularly with respect to the ship/shore
interface, can lead to interruptions to normal operations, can incur higher
operational costs for the shipowner and can have an impact on seafarers’
well-being,” Chris Oliver, Nautical
Director at the International Chamber of Shipping, said.
“In addition to the potential
consequences for ship owners and seafarers, it should not be underestimated the
impact it can have on trade, investment, social and economic development of
ports, local communities and even Member States themselves,” Oliver concluded.
consequences for ship owners and seafarers, it should not be underestimated the
impact it can have on trade, investment, social and economic development of
ports, local communities and even Member States themselves,” Oliver concluded.
World Maritime News.
