The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) is expanding its help desk concept to the Ukraine with the support of a local law firm.
The help desk will support MACN members whose vessels are faced with corruption demands when calling ports and terminals in the Ukraine. The help desk will provide operational advise and a platform for liaising with, and raising cases with the local authorities. To support the help desk MACN has entered into a partnership with local law firm ANK Maritime Law Practice.
The move to set up the help desk in Ukraine follows similar initiatives in Nigeria and Argentina.
“The ‘Help Desk’ model has proven its effectiveness in Nigerian and Argentinian ports, and we believe there is great potential for a similar support structure in Ukraine. Fundamental to MACN’s collective action approach is that sustainable solutions to tackle corruption must be enabled by, supported by, and beneficial to key local stakeholders,” said Cecilia Müller Torbrand, executive director of MACN
“Dialogue with stakeholders is, therefore, a critical part of MACN’s collective action projects. MACN’s local partners have played a key role in the engagement and dialogue with such key stakeholders. Our partnership with ANK aims to strengthen integrity in the ports and terminals of Ukraine by working with local and international stakeholders.”
A recent survey conducted by MACN together with industry partners showed that Ukraine is perceived as a challenging country in the Black Sea region for port calls.
Source: Seatrade-Maritime