ANK Law Office appointed as local partner to Maritime Anti-Corruption Network in Ukraine

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has expanded its anti-corruption ‘Help Desk’ concept to Ukraine’s ports and terminals. This development follows the successful implementation of similar Help Desks, operated in conjunction with local partners, in Nigeria and Argentina.

The local Help Desk will support MACN member companies calling at ports and terminals calls and when vessels and crew are faced with corrupt demands. The Help Desk will provide initial operational advice to the situation, and provide a formal way of liaising with, and escalating cases to relevant local public authorities. MACN has entered into an agreement with local law firm Attorney Association ANK Maritime Law Practice, to run this support function.

MACN represents a large part of the maritime industry and keeps a close dialogue with its member companies in understanding the challenges in the region. 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.  Despite, Ukraine’s recent efforts to tackle corruption and enforce a new maritime regulatory framework, challenges remain and the consequences for reject illicit demands can lead to long delays of vessels and the threat of fines for alleged non-compliance.

Additionally, in coordination with the MACN Secretariat, ANK will support in local communication efforts and awareness raising about MACN’s collective action initiative, carry out an integrity risk assessment of port-related challenges, and assist in developing relevant Integrity Tools.