Liberia becomes first flag state to join Maritime Anti Corruption Network

Liberia has become the first ship registry to be admitted to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) as an associate member.

A vessel under construction

Alfonso Castillero, CCO of the Liberian Registry, says, “We are greatly honoured to be the first ship registry admitted as an associate member of the MACN. The organization has done great work fighting corrupt practices in some of the most difficult regions in the industry. MACN’s model of

government and local partner collaboration, and industry led collective action, is considered global best practice. It’s not often the shipping sector gets that sort of recognition.

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“Effective flag states, such as Liberia, offer a unique perspective and opportunity in the fight for a maritime industry free of corruption. Liberia’s fleet of over 4,325 vessels trades in some of the world’s most difficult regions. Our global network of full service offices and local inspectors means that the flag is never far away. Together with MACN, we can help provide the crew of these ships with processes and procedures as well as with firm backing and support to defeat bribery attempts. This backing serves to allay fears and prevent negative recourse by unscrupulous officials seeking enrichment at the expense of shipowners.”

MACN’s Programme Director, Cecilia Müller Torbrand, welcoming the Liberian flag as an associate

member, says, “As we have already shown, strength in numbers is a central part of how MACN can drive change. It is vital we look for ways to include maritime related businesses who want to take part in this fight. Flag states are a central part of the shipping world and we look forward to the contributions Liberia will make to MACN’s future efforts.”

Benson Peretti, the Liberian flag’s MACN representative, says, “MACN has shown that the shipping sector can work together for outcomes that few would have thought possible. We look forward to

being an active participant and sharing with the group findings and lessons learned to improve everyone’s ability to fight corruption. We would encourage other flag states to consider joining the network, because the more we work together the better the results will be for crew, owners, and the wider shipping community.”