Corporate governance is the foundation of our operations. We are dedicated to upholding transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards, ensuring fairness and responsibility across the organization. Our governance framework ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards while promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.

Governance Structure & Responsibilities

Our governance structure is built to support efficient decision-making and proactive risk management. With clearly defined roles and responsibilities, we ensure that all aspects of our operations are conducted with integrity and meet the highest standards. This approach allows us to consistently meet stakeholder expectations and drive sustainable growth.

See Danaos Organizational chart

Corporate Policies

Danaos Shipping operates within a robust framework of policies that guide ethical behavior and regulatory compliance at all levels of the organization. These policies form the foundation for our business practices:

• Code of Business Conduct & Ethics: Defines the standards of behavior expected from all employees.
• Ethics & Compliance Policy: Our whistleblowing policy provides confidential channels for reporting concerns related to unethical behavior.
• Anti-Fraud Policy: Outlines protocols to prevent, detect, and respond to fraudulent activities.
• Insider Trading Policy: Implements measures to prevent the misuse of confidential information.
• Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABAC) Policy: Ensures compliance with international anti-corruption laws, reinforced through regular training and oversight.
• Anti-Money Laundering Policy: Protects our operations from being exploited for money laundering activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement Policy: Encourages open, transparent communication with stakeholders, addressing their needs and expectations.
• Health & Safety Policy: Demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a safe working environment.
• Environmental Policy: Promotes sustainability by reducing environmental impact across our operations.

We ensure that all employees are well-informed and possess the necessary skills to comply with these policies, which are regularly reviewed to remain current and effective.

Whistleblowing & Reporting

At Danaos Shipping, we emphasize transparency and responsibility by providing secure channels for stakeholders to report concerns about our codes, policies, or any violations of regulations. Our whistleblowing system is designed to handle reports confidentially, covering issues like accounting practices, legal compliance, and workplace conduct.

For employees, we provide an Internal Grievance Form to address work-related issues such as discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment. Both systems are designed to protect anonymity for those who wish to remain anonymous, while contact details can be provided to facilitate resolution. We uphold a strict non-retaliation policy, ensuring no one is subject to adverse actions for reporting concerns in good faith.

Report an Issue

Business Risk Management

At Danaos Shipping, effective risk management is central to achieving our strategic objectives and building resilience in a dynamic business environment. Our Business Risk Management Procedure is designed to proactively identify, evaluate, and address risks that could impact our operations, reputation, and long-term success.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Proactive Identification: Engaging all levels of the organization to recognize current and emerging risks, using systematic methods and industry insights.
• Risk Evaluation and Prioritization: Assessing risks to direct resources toward the most significant threats, aligning with our strategic goals and risk appetite.
• Targeted Mitigation: Developing tailored strategies to address critical risks, ensuring alignment with our business objectives and resilience standards.
• Continuous Monitoring: Using performance metrics and regular reviews to adapt to changes, maintain effectiveness, and remain responsive to the evolving landscape.
• Clear Accountability: Defining roles and responsibilities across all levels, ensuring accountability and fostering a company-wide culture of risk awareness.
• Commitment to Transparency and Improvement: Regularly refining our procedures to meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

For a comprehensive look at our risk management framework, governance structure, and priority risk areas, please refer to our full Risk Management Strategy for 2024 document.

Corporate Governance Manual & Training

Danaos Shipping has developed a comprehensive Corporate Governance Manual that provides guidance on governance principles, decision-making processes, and ethical standards. The manual is available to all employees, ensuring consistent adherence to governance best practices across the organization.

Our internal training programs, led by the Internal Audit Department, ensure that employees receive ongoing education on governance, ethical decision-making, compliance, and risk management. These programs are continuously updated to reflect industry developments and regulatory changes, helping to maintain our high standards.

Commitment to Anti-Corruption & Responsible Business Conduct

Danaos Shipping is committed to ethical business conduct, supported by our Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy, which ensures strict adherence to international regulations. As an active member of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), we promote transparency and best practices in the industry.

Our comprehensive training programs ensure all employees understand the importance of anti-corruption measures and the legal consequences of bribery. A zero-tolerance stance on corruption is maintained through clear reporting channels, including our anonymous systems for raising compliance concerns.

Data Ethics & Cybersecurity

Protecting data, ensuring privacy, and maintaining information security are top priorities at Danaos Shipping. We adhere to international standards and regulations, including GDPR, NIS2, and NIST guidelines, to uphold the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Our Information Security and Data Privacy Policies establish robust measures for data protection, risk mitigation, and compliance.

Our cybersecurity strategy integrates advanced technologies and employee awareness programs to proactively manage risks. Danaos Shipping is also ISO 27001:2022 certified, underscoring our commitment to the highest standards of data security and privacy.

Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable procurement is integral to Danaos Shipping’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. We collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure they meet the high standards of ESG performance, focusing on human rights, anti-corruption policies, carbon reduction, and safe working conditions.

Our Supplier Code of Conduct, aligned with the United Nations Global Compact and other international standards, sets clear expectations for responsible behavior and compliance. We are committed to working with our suppliers to continuously improve their ESG performance and achieve full alignment with our code of conduct.