Governance is the systems and processes that ensure the overall effectiveness of an entity – whether a business, government or multilateral institution.
Promoting good governance is a multi-dimensional challenge, which requires efforts that are mutually reinforcing. For example, anti-corruption is essential to the rule of law and peace-building because corruption negatively impacts state capacity, social inclusion, and management of natural resources.
Governments, international organisations and businesses are paying increasingly more attention to corruption. Existing anti-corruption legislation is now being applied more widely and vigorously than before – both in Norway, the UK and the US. JJUC supports these developments and has bolstered its own anti-corruption work. JJUC has for several years had Anti-Corruption Procedures in place for the office and has established an anticorruption procedure which provides guidance on the subject and how to meet corruption when faced with it onboard. Norway has one of the internationally strictest laws relating to corruption. The Norwegian Penal Code has three sections that are particularly important in the fight against corruption, and prohibits payment that is terms of trade in many countries. The situation is therefore challenging for the world’s shipping companies. The said procedure is an attempt to work systematically against corruption. Employees are trained in accordance with recommendations from UNODC, Global Compact and The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. During 2015, a materiality analysis was performed, resulting in three aspects requiring attention. One of the aspects was related to Anti-Corruption work, which is linked to the above initiative. During the last few years, anti-corruption measures have been discussed and formulated in a procedure which is focused on dealing with the challenges the vessels meet in various ports etc. It should be noted that special anti-corruption procedures for the office have been in place for some time. The cornerstone for the procedure has been the Norwegian law that came into force in 2003 and applies for all Norwegian territory and for Norwegians anywhere in the world. This law makes the aspect of material value warranting attention. The process mentioned above has borne fruit in that a higher level of consicousness with respect to the anti-corruption initiative and challenge. Both on board and in the office is noted. The procedure has been implemented and, with related reporting, is on the Management Review agenda and will be followed up accordingly.
