Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct reflects the values and objectives of MF Shipping Group.
MF Shipping Group (MFSG), founded in 1994, is an international shipping company, that manages and partially owns a fleet of 55 product- and chemical tankers, cement carriers, self- unloaders, dry cargo vessels, a RoPax and RoRo vessel ranging from 3,000 to 23.000 DWT. MFSG employs around 1250 seafarers from 12 different nationalities and 72 people at their office in Farmsum, The Netherlands.

Compliance and our management systems

As a ship manager with international clients and vessels trading in international waters, it means we must fulfil all international regulations as set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the national requirements of the various flag states that the vessels are trading (Netherlands, Norway – NIS-, Madeira). Our management systems are audited by classification companies on a regular basis and as a tanker manager, our company and systems are being audited by the oil majors on a bi-annual basis as well.

Our strength is being on top of new rules and regulations and where possible, also being a first mover on industry initiatives. We are therefore an active board member of the following associations: International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), Intertanko, Dutch Ship Owners Association (KVNR), BIMCO, MACN, ISWAN and Interferry.

Our Environmental Responsibility

All vessels managed by MF Shipping Group are being managed with care for the environment, through high quality standards and with a focus on continuous improvement. As a diverse and well – experienced ship management company, we are committed to contribute to the international goals and targets set to cut greenhouse gasses and prevent pollution. To do so we have implemented several measures and developed our business operation.

In addition to the technical innovations on board our newer vessels, we have a fleet-wide focus when it comes to environmental management. With a dedicated environmental department, we manage the environmental performances of the entire fleet daily. Important performance indicators are fuel consumption per nautical mile and the carbon footprint of a voyage expressed in CO² per transport work done. Our crewmembers on board are considered vital to ensure the ship’s energy efficiency. Since they are running the systems onboard, they are key for a good performance.

By proving insights in the vessels’ performance, we increase environmental awareness and trigger continuous improvement. One of the tools implemented to increase awareness about environmental performance is the automatic generated voyage report. This report with KPI’s will be send to the Master, Superintendent and Operator. If an increasing trend in fuel consumption is noticed, corrective actions could be taken immediately.

We measure, analyze and report data towards key stakeholders, the crew onboard, ship-owners, operators, charterers, authorities, and ports. By working closely together we will achieve change and ensuring Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet.

MF Shipping Group is firmly committed to sound environmental practice in our operations. Our businesses are required to comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations and to adopt the following principles:

Commit and contribute towards sound environmental practices in our daily operations.
Improve the efficiency of our use of raw materials and energy.
Minimise emissions and waste.
Respond to community concerns with integrity, honesty, and respect.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility

MF Shipping group can be characterized as an organization with a strong focus on welfare and wellbeing of its employees. Our employees, customers and partners should feel secure with how we manage the working environment. MF Shipping Group committed to the following employment policies:

Providing a safe working environment through best practice in health and safety management in all our businesses.
Being an equal opportunities employer, committed to developing a diverse workforce where everyone is treated with fairness and respect, irrespective of race, sex, color, nationality or national origin, class, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identification, political opinion, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to give their best and realize their full potential, through the provision of learning and development opportunities.
Ensuring that employees can discuss any problem connected with their work, confident that they will receive a fair, impartial and confidential review of the issue.
We respect the individual’s right to freedom of association. We relate to our employees through both collective and individual agreements, according to local law, custom and practice.

We respect and promote international human and labor rights as well as diversity and gender equality. Harassment, bullying, or discrimination is not accepted. All office personnel and officers are completing annual courses (conform our companies training requirements) and we meet for annual Company Days with all our staff, where best practices and attitudes are being discussed.

Responsibility for the Success of our Policies
Employees are invited to comment on our policies and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments or suggestions should be addressed to the Quality Manager / DPA.
All employees are responsible for the success of our policies. MF Shipping Group creates workplaces in which open and honest communications among all employees are valued and respected. If you have any questions about this policy, or if you would like to report a potential violation of it, please speak to your line manager.
No reprisal or retribution will be taken against any employee for raising concerns under any of our policies. MF Shipping Group is committed to investigating, addressing, and responding to concerns of employees and to taking appropriate corrective action in response to any violation.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility is visible through community engagement both within and outside our industry. When the Typhoon Haiyan tore across the central Philippine islands in November 2013, resulting in an unprecedented disaster an chaos, killing thousands of people and driving hundreds of thousands from their homes, we decided to found the MFG Seafarers Fund. https://www.mfgseafarersfund.com

The goal of the foundation is to give either directly or indirectly assistance for the benefit of victims of nature disasters, environmental disasters, or maritime disasters, related to the maritime business regardless of differences in nationality, religious faith, or race.

Besides the MFG Seafarers Fund we support the International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the Mission to Seafarers. Both are maritime charities supporting the 1.5 million crewmen and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.

We are an active member and supporter of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), an organization that promotes diversity within the Maritime Industry.

MF Shipping group is also a sponsor of various projects such as the Red Cross, local foodbank, the local refugee camp, local schools, cultural events and sports clubs in various ways.

Our Business Ethics (Governance)

We have zero tolerance of corruption, bribery, and money laundering and all of our employees are required to abide by all applicable laws and provisions relating to corruption, bribery and money laundering. All shore-based and ship-based employees have been informed of the course of action they are to take in case they should come under pressure to pay bribes or make other improper payments. The company shall under no circumstances participate in or support money laundering. To stay clear of any traces of money laundering we must show a direct link between the party to the contract and the end-recipient of payment for services performed, and that no company in the ‘chain’ is on any international or national sanctions list. In parallel with our own guidelines, to continue providing our services to our customers and other stakeholders, we sign and approve a number of specific anti-trust, anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering clauses in our commercial agreements.

We shall not offer our customers overly lavish or excessive gifts, entertainment, or invitations. Our personnel are not permitted to offer or accept monetary gifts or equivalent, whether directly or indirectly.

MF Shipping group shall comply with all applicable national and international laws and regulations and shall conform to generally accepted practice. The company shall also act as a responsible company in every part of its business, including corporate governance, the work environment and safety, labor rights, the management of environmental work, financial reporting, and taxes. As regards fair competition and compliance with competition legislation, the company shall comply with the competition legislation in the countries in which we operate.

MF Shipping group is an active member of Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). MACN and its members work towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption by: raising awareness of the challenges faced; implementing the MACN Anti-Corruption Principles and co-developing and sharing best practices; collaborating with governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to identify and mitigate the root causes of corruption; and creating a culture of integrity within the maritime community. Our employees are offered an anti-bribery course via MACN.

Our general conduct

Our core values are long-term, responsible, excellent and customer oriented and these should always be reflected in the behavior and conduct of our management and employees. We treat one another and those we meet with respect, and we acknowledge competence. We do not discriminate against others on any grounds. We are proud to be trusted in our business relations and we never share confidential or sensitive information.