The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) published its annual report for 2024, highlighting corruption risks particularly in high-impact regions.
The cost of maritime corruption
In 2024, MACN launched its first Cost of Maritime Corruption Study that outlines the wide-reaching impact of maritime corruption on the private sector and on society as a whole. Using Nigeria as a case study, MACN used an approach with two hypothetical scenarios:
Business-as-usual scenario: Assumes that bribes are paid without resistance by private or public actors in the port and maritime sector. Under this scenario, maritime corruption increases transport and logistics costs by 15 percent, resulting in an annual cost of corruption of over USD 162 million for the industry, substantially reducing GDP and job opportunities.
Zero-tolerance scenario: Assumes no bribes are paid or requested by either the public or private players in the port and maritime sector. This scenario suggests that eliminating corruption could reduce costs by 62 percent (over USD 100 million annually) for the private sector. It also estimates an increase in GDP by USD 130 million annually and the creation of more than 147,000 full-time jobs.
This comparison clearly demonstrates the significant societal and economic gains achievable by tackling corruption in maritime trade. The study showcases how MACN’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts have an impact on fostering sustainable development, enhancing trade, and improving people’s livelihoods.
Eliminating corruption could save the private sector over USD 100 million annually, boost GDP by USD 130 million, and create over 147,000 full-time jobs.
Driving fair and balanced anti-corruption standards
As a key achievement in 2024, MACN facilitated supply chain dialogue on the fair allocation of risks when rejecting corrupt demands, particularly during port operations. MACN convened stakeholders across the trade chain – cargo owners, shipowners, and managers – to address the operational and commercial consequences of standing against corruption.
This led to the formation of a dedicated working group that reviewed and proposed amendments to widely used anti-bribery clauses, including clearer definitions of corrupt demands, revised termination rights, and the development of practical guidance notes.
The initiative resulted in strong industry engagement, with companies committing to implement the revised clause – marking a significant step toward more equitable, transparent, and enforceable anti-corruption standards in global shipping contracts.
Strengthening integrity during PSC inspection
In 2024, a major focus was aimed at strengthening MACN’s collaboration with the IMO and Port State Control Memorandum of Understanding (PSC MoU) regimes to address corruption risk during vessel PSC inspections.
MACN formalised agreements with several regional PSC MoUs and participated in high-level events such as the 24th Black Sea MoU Committee Meeting, 5th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for the West and Central Africa Region held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and meetings with the Mediterranean MoU and Viña del Mar Agreement to explore new collaborative opportunities.
The partnership between the Abuja MoU and MACN jointly delivered the first of its kind “Ethics and Integrity Leadership Training for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs)” in West and Central African Region, which is aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Code of Good Practice for Port State Control Officers, and the FAL guidance.
"Political transitions bring both uncertainty and opportunity. We are proactively engaging stakeholders to ensure that anti-corruption reforms remain central to national agendas, emphasizing the economic and societal costs of inaction."
…said Cecilia Müller Torbrand, Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).
