MACN, ZVDS and VDR launch training to support German maritime SMEs
HAMBURG: The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) the German Shipbrokers’ Association Zentralverband Deutscher Schiffsmakler e. v. (ZVDS) and the German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder, VDR), have launched a partnership to support German maritime enterprises in strengthening business integrity and compliance. Supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative, the collaboration will provide ongoing, practical support to companies navigating sanctions, export controls, and anti-bribery and corruption risks.
German maritime enterprises and especially SMEs play a critical role in global trade, while facing growing expectations from customers, financial institutions, and regulators to demonstrate credible integrity and compliance systems. For many companies, particularly smaller operators, access to affordable, maritime-specific guidance remains limited. Through this new initiative, MACN, ZVDS and VDR aim to create a sustained framework that helps companies respond to these expectations in a proportionate and operationally realistic way.
The collaboration brings together training activities, practical tools, and opportunities for continued engagement. It is designed to support companies over time, helping them build, maintain, and improve integrity practices that enable transparent trade routes and trusted business relationships.
As part of the initiative, MACN, ZVDS and VDR will deliver a series of free, practice-oriented training sessions for ZVDS and VDR member companies. Two in-person sessions are planned for 21st and 22nd September 2026 and will focus on sanctions and export controls. Registration is now open on a save-the-date basis, and further details, including, locations and practical arrangements, will be shared in due course.
Follow-up sessions will address anti-bribery and corruption risks and related topics, supported by practical templates and checklists that companies can directly adapt to their day-to-day operations.
To register your interest and save the date, please use the following link: Link Participation is free of charge, but places may be limited.
“Maritime SMEs are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that they have credible controls in place, even though their resources are often limited,” said Cecilia Müller Torbrand, CEO of MACN. “This partnership allows us to establish a long-term German platform that provides realistic, operations-focused support and helps companies manage integrity risks while keeping trade moving.”
Dr. Alexander Geisler, CEO of ZVDS, added: “Our members operate in a complex international environment with rising regulatory and customer expectations. Working with MACN and with the support of the Siemens Integrity Initiative enables us to offer sustained, maritime-specific support that reflects the realities of SME operations and avoids over-burdening companies.”
Martin Kröger, CEO of VDR: “German shipping is committed to integrity, rules-based trade and responsible business conduct. These values are essential for a fair and resilient global trading system. As the voice of the German shipping industry, the VDR is pleased to support this initiative and its training sessions, which contribute to the ongoing exchange of knowledge and best practices across the sector.”
By participating in the initiative, companies can strengthen confidence with customers, banks, and regulators, reduce legal, financial, and reputational risks, and implement proportionate integrity measures without high cost or complexity.
About MACN
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network is an industry-led collective action initiative working with maritime companies, governments, and civil society to reduce corruption risks and strengthen integrity across the global maritime supply chain. MACN brings together nearly 230 member companies worldwide.
About ZVDS
The Zentralverband Deutscher Schiffsmakler e.V. (ZVDS) is Germany’s national association for shipbrokers and shipping agents. It represents the interests of the sector at national, European, and international level through its engagement with the European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA) and the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA). Its membership comprises around 240 companies in Germany, including port agents, sale and purchase (S&P) brokers, liner agents, and chartering brokers.
About VDR
The German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder, VDR) is the central association of the German maritime shipping industry. Founded in 1907, it currently represents around 200 shipping companies – from medium-sized family businesses to global players – and a merchant fleet that is among the largest in the world. As the voice of the industry, VDR represents the interests of German shipowners in political processes at the national, European and international level
