SOCIAL

At Danaos, we recognize that our success and growth are driven by the invaluable contributions of our human capital, including both our onshore staff and seafarers. As our most essential stakeholders, their well-being and professional development are our top priorities.

We are dedicated to attracting exceptional talent, providing continuous training and creating opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment is to foster a work environment that promotes engagement, supports the overall wellbeing of our employees and champions inclusivity at all levels.

Material

Issues

Diversity, Equal Opportunities
and non-discrimination
Occupational Health & Safety
Training and Education
Child Labor
Forced and Compulsory Labor
Security Practices
Humans’ rights policy

Goals

2021-2025

Status:

17 out of 19
social goals for 2024 have been
already embedded.

SDGs

Human Capital

We are dedicated to attracting exceptional talent, providing continuous training and creating opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment is to foster a work environment that promotes engagement, supports the overall well-being of our employees and champions inclusivity at all levels.

By prioritizing the growth and satisfaction of our workforce, Danaos strengthens its foundation for sustainable development and reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its ESG objectives.

Our Employees

Our employees form a highly skilled team with extensive experience in the shipping industry both in containerships and bulk carriers industry. We prioritize the establishment and oversight of efficient processes across various departments, focusing on continuous professional growth and continuous learning training. The strong employee retention rate is a key indicator of both employee satisfaction and our dedicated efforts to engage them effectively. Danaos is committed to promoting workplace equality through the implementation of fair and inclusive policies and practices, ensuring transparency in pay structures.

Key Statistics for 2024:

In 2024, our workforce continued to grow and diversify, reflecting our commitment to excellence and inclusion.

The opinion and ideas of our employees is of great importance to us, so, in 2024, we started the “Suggestion Box” competition, an interdepartmental initiative set out to encourage building relations with colleagues of other departments, while aiming at fostering innovation and creativity. Through the competition, we received 31 ideas from 22 different teams. The winning ideas of the competition were awarded and implemented.

Our Seafarers

Our seafarers play a crucial role at Danaos, driving global trade and ensuring the seamless operation of our vessels. Their profession requires a unique blend of technical expertise, resilience and adaptability, making seafaring both a distinctive and challenging occupation. The safety, well-being and development of our crew are central to our operations, forming the backbone of our business. We maintain strong relationships with each member of our crew, emphasizing their ongoing training and career growth.

Seafarer Workforce Overview – As of December 31, 2024

From Great to Best Place to Work

Notably, 95% of our employees take pride in sharing that they work at Danaos, while 87% confirm it as a truly Great Place to Work.

Moreover we have been included in the list of Top Ten companies of Best Workplaces in Greece for 2025 (based on 2024 evaluation). This remarkable distinction is more than just a title it’s a recognition of the culture we’ve all built together. It speaks to the respect, trust, teamwork, and shared commitment that define our daily experience and drive our success.

For the second year in a row, Danaos has been officially certified as a "Great Place to Work" by the esteemed Great Place to Work organization, achieving an impressive survey score of 87%.

Occupational Health & Safety

We developed a documented Safety Management System (the DSMS) fulfilling the requirements of the ISM Code. Since 2002 -when the Code became mandatory for containerships-, the DSMS has being audited successfully and Danaos maintains its Document of Compliance (the “license to operate” of shipping) valid throughout the years. The health and safety of our employees are linked to their well-being and we focus on the safest possible working conditions through the implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety regime, which covers all of our employees on-board and ashore.

This regime includes:

The application of best practices in ship operation and working environment in order to prevent injuries.
Continual, flexible and regularly reviewed risk assessment for vessels, cargo and environment.
The ongoing development of the health and safety skills of our people.

The overarching goal of our safety policy is simple yet vital: to ensure that every day starts and ends with our people safe and healthy.

In addition, all seafarers actively participate in monthly onboard Safety & Environmental Meetings. These formal meetings, guided by a set agenda, include discussions on health and safety issues. The Safety, Environmental & MLC Committee, comprising crew representatives, prepares the meeting agenda and works to enhance health, safety and environmental standards onboard. The Committee’s role and responsibilities are clearly defined within the Company’s Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring that all procedures and practices are adhered to by crew members.

Risk assessment

Recognizing our responsibility to identify and manage the risks associated with our ships, operations and trade, our Safety, Quality & Environmental team — comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive sea-going experience — has developed a comprehensive library of risk assessments. These assessments address various shipboard operations and implement appropriate controls to maintain a safe working environment onboard and minimize the environmental impact of our operations.

During onboard Health & Safety visits, our experts engage directly with seafarers to gather their insights and experiences regarding near-misses and situations that could potentially lead to Lost Time Injuries. These observations are evaluated both at the vessel and company level, enabling continuous improvement of our Health & Safety System and Risk Assessment practices. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to safeguarding our workforce and promoting sustainable operations.

Additional controls beyond those outlined in the respective risk assessments may be implemented to further mitigate risks. The ship’s Master has the discretion to conduct a new risk assessment, identifying additional hazards and applying controls to reduce risks more effectively. Once completed, this new assessment is submitted to the Office for review and approval. Upon approval, it is incorporated into the existing Risk Assessment library.

The Risk Assessment library is continuously updated to reflect newly identified hazards and their corresponding controls. Senior Officers receive comprehensive training during their prejoining sessions, equipping them with the skills to evaluate and manage the risks associated with day-to-day shipboard operations effectively.

Crisis management

Danaos has implemented comprehensive measures and allocated resources to safeguard people, vessels and operations in the event of an emergency. We have established procedures to identify potential emergency scenarios and developed detailed response plans. These plans are effectively communicated to all employees and crew members, who receive the necessary training to ensure preparedness. Apart from the Response plan, we have developed an in-house Emergency Response Service system to provide clear instructions, task allocations and structured support to effectively manage emergency situations.

A key component of our emergency preparedness system is the hands-on management system onboard every vessel, as outlined in the Ship Security Plan (SSP). All employees, crew members, visitors, inspectors, suppliers and third parties boarding our ships are required to adhere strictly to the SSP guidelines.

Drills

The Company has established a program of drills and exercises to prepare crew and shore-based personnel for emergency actions to develop and maintain confidence and proficiency and test the effectiveness and suitability of the emergency plans. This planning is drawn up annually in accordance with the requirements provided by the international regulations. In addition to the onboard drills required to be performed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS convention) at specific intervals (monthly, 2-monthly, or 3-monthly), the planning includes a variety of scenarios in which crews practice throughout the year. These drills cover both emergency preparedness in respect of safety and familiarity with security plans and procedures. The identification of emergencies is defined in the Emergency Procedures Manual (EPM), which contains guidelines (in the form of checklists) for handling emergency situations and is the point of reference during the design and execution of onboard drills.

Danaos Annual Drills Planning is outlined in the table below:

All drills are thoroughly documented, capturing key details such as the specific scenario, date, time, location, participants, areas for improvement and an evaluation of the crew’s skills and knowledge. This information is recorded in the Danaos Enterprise ISM Module.

The drill reports are then submitted to the office, where they are reviewed by the Safety, Quality and Environmental (SQE) Superintendents to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for further enhancement. In 2024, a total of 4,899 drills were conducted across the Danaos fleet.

Incidents

Our policy mandates that all incidents are reported, investigated and analyzed to prevent recurrence. Crew members are trained and actively encouraged to recognize and report near-misses, which are treated as early warning signs of procedures or practices that require revision and improvement. Investigations are led by the ship’s Master, with support from the Safety Officer, seafarers’ safety representative, or other members of the Safety, Environmental & MLC Committee.

Danaos employs the Loss Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) metric, an objective tool measuring work hours lost due to injury, to monitor and enhance safety performance. To further reduce LTIF rates, we have implemented the Lockout/Tagout system for hazardous energy control. Additionally, since 2018, we have adopted a Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) approach to address factors that influence learning and behaviour. The successful implementation of BBS fosters significant safety improvements, helping us create a “total safety culture” across the organization.

In 2024, we continued utilizing the UDE (Undesired Event) application within our platform for accident and incident analysis reporting. Enhancements to this system provided clearer insights into the conditions surrounding incidents and facilitated close monitoring of corrective actions taken onboard. At the same time, we reinforced best practices to increase crew awareness and promote safety.

One (1) major accident is reported in 2024, the fire aboard the c/v STRIDE, which resulted in two (2) fatalities were reported across the fleet. On January 8, 2024, a fire broke out in the engine room of our c/v STRIDE while she was alongside at Barbours Cut Marine Terminal in LaPorte, TX, USA. As a result of the fire, two crew members died on scene and one was seriously injured. Due to the sustained damage, the vessel was later declared a constructive total loss. Danaos cooperated fully with the local authorities, both at the stage of the emergency response, as well as at the stage of the incident investigation.

In the wake of this accident, Danaos took the following immediate actions:

Thorough checks of the integrity of the bunker systems and fittings were conducted aboard all managed vessels. Some of the checks were carried out in the presence of the Classification Societies.
Bunker procedures were reviewed.
Furthermore, Danaos adopted the ISO 45001:2018 “Occupational Health and Safety Management System” standard by incorporating all its provisions in our existing Safety Management System. The certification process against ISO 45001:2018 was successfully completed in 2024.

Safety audits

Danaos’ Safety Management Systems are regularly audited by the Safety, Quality and Environmental Department internally and by Recognized Organizations, including IACS members, externally. Unscheduled audits are conducted if serious deficiencies are identified during third-party inspections. Audit findings, non-conformities, or observations are analyzed during the management review process. To ensure excellence, we have established internal Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with BIMCO SHIPPING KPIs. Serious findings that pose risks to personnel, ships or the environment are analyzed using the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) method, followed by immediate corrective actions.

A variety of inspections are conducted across our fleet to ensure compliance with ISM/ISPS Codes, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001 standards and the MLC Convention. All vessel certifications were successfully endorsed. The table below outlines the number and types of audits conducted over the past two years.

In 2024, the container fleet recorded a total of 341 deficiencies, with four (4) detentions. For the bulk carrier fleet, the total recorded deficiencies were 142, with three (3) detentions. Finally, we should mention that third-party MLC inspections confirmed that all seafarers onboard are provided with decent living and working conditions and that their employment agreements and wage payments comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Third-party MLC inspections confirmed that all seafarers onboard are provided with decent living and working conditions and that their employment agreements and wage payments comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements.

2024 Crew Welfare Campaign

As part of our ongoing commitment to crew welfare and regulatory compliance, we launched several key initiatives in 2024. To enhance regulatory awareness, an online training platform has been introduced, enabling crew members to stay updated on the compliance framework impacting all managed vessels, with progress tracked electronically. Watch and rest hours, as well as overtime work, are now monitored through dedicated online platforms, supported by a clear policy on overtime assignment, tracking and compensation.

On the well-being front, a 24/7 mental health support service has been implemented for all seafarers, along with a remote medical assistance service already covering 19 vessels. A dedicated crew welfare budget was introduced in August 2024, enabling further support initiatives. New entertainment systems are being installed across the fleet, with deployment underway on a growing number of vessels. Free onboard internet access now includes an initial data allowance, ensuring connectivity for all crew members. Additionally, video conferencing capabilities are being rolled out to facilitate direct crisis assistance, with deployment progressing fleet-wide. We always ensure that clothing, bed linens and towels are regularly refreshed across the entire fleet. These measures underscore our commitment to fostering a supportive and well-equipped environment for our seafarers.

Health & Safety at our Offices

At our offices, we have established a Building Emergency Response Team (BERT) with designated members on each floor. This team is certified in firefighting and emergency response, ensuring preparedness for a range of scenarios. To maintain readiness, we conduct annual drills and refresher training sessions. Both the team and the building are equipped with the necessary tools to handle emergencies safely and efficiently.

Additionally, we have a well-trained First Aid Team equipped to provide immediate medical assistance when needed. This team undergoes annual refresher training and is supported with adequate first-aid equipment to ensure swift and effective responses to health-related situations. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.

According to 2024 Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Survey 99% of Office Employees believe that Danaos is a safe place to work.

Caring for our People

As part of our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace, we have introduced a new managerial role focused on Culture & Engagement. This role is designed to strengthen employee engagement by cultivating a vibrant, collaborative and supportive culture across the organization. By prioritizing meaningful connections and a sense of belonging among our people, we aim to empower employees to thrive and contribute to the company’s ongoing success while reinforcing our dedication to social responsibility.

At Danaos, the well-being of our people is our top priority. We strive to create a supportive environment that values both employees and their families. To promote physical activity, we organize Danaos Sport teams participating to tournaments, encouraging fitness, teamwork and collaboration. Employees also benefit from personalized nutrition guidance and subsidies for gym memberships, supporting their individual fitness journeys. Regular health check-ups and access to an on-site doctor further ensure that our team has the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. We warmly welcome employees’ families to participate in company-organized events and celebrations, fostering a strong sense of community. Financial support is provided through our Childcare Fund and we honor the scholastic achievements of employees’ children with Academic Achievement Awards. Career orientation sessions with professional consultants help guide their professional paths, while art competitions encourage creativity and self-expression. Our commitment extends to the families of our employees, with access to the Danaos Blood Bank, ensuring support during critical times.

However, we are equally committed to supporting the well-being of our seafarers, fully aware of the unique challenges they encounter during their extended time at sea. To support their wellness, we provide essential amenities like internet access onboard, helping them stay connected with loved ones and access valuable resources while away from home. We also offer tailored wellness courses for seafarers, covering topics like stress management and mental health awareness. These initiatives aim to provide our seafarers with the tools and resources to maintain their physical and emotional health, fostering a safer and more fulfilling work environment for those at sea.

Through these efforts, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people, recognizing that their happiness and success are integral to our shared achievements.

Diversity, Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination

Danaos remains firm in its dedication to cultivating a workplace culture that upholds safety, respect, and inclusivity for all employees and stakeholders. At the heart of this commitment is the company’s zero-tolerance policy against violence and harassment in any form.

We are dedicated to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace, where every individual is valued and respected. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success and we actively promote a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging for all employees, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, family or marital status, religion, beliefs, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This Diversity, Equal Opportunities and Inclusion policy applies to all facets of employment at Danaos, including recruitment, training, performance management, career development, rewards, code of conduct, workplace facilities and termination of employment. These principles of equity, diversity and inclusion also guide our interactions with external stakeholders, including clients, agents and suppliers.

Our company firmly believes that diversity is a key driver of value, significantly contributing to enhanced business results. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds, we unlock innovation, foster creativity and strengthen our ability to achieve sustainable success.

Our workforce comprises office employees from five different nationalities, while our seafarers represent a diverse range of seven nationalities.

We expect all individuals to uphold and promote the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in their daily work.

At Danaos, every employee, from the crew onboard to the management team onshore, is expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. This includes treating others with dignity and respect and refraining from any behaviour that could be considered violent, abusive, or harassing.

To reinforce this commitment, Danaos has implemented comprehensive policies and procedures designed to effectively prevent and address incidents of violence and harassment. These policies are clearly communicated to all employees through training programs and written guidelines, ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities in fostering a safe and respectful workplace.

There are in-house awareness sessions included modules on cultural awareness, inclusion and equal employment opportunities, promoting a workplace environment that values and respects the uniqueness of everyone. By addressing and challenging implicit biases, employees gain deeper insights into their own perspectives, fostering fairer, more equitable interactions and building stronger relationships across diverse backgrounds.

The onboarding process for all new employees and senior officers onboard vessels includes comprehensive training on the principles of Diversity and Inclusion. This ensures that every member of the Danaos team is equipped to promote a culture that values and respects individual differences. In addition to onboarding training, Danaos offers accessible online courses through its training platform, providing seafarers with opportunities to enhance their understanding of Diversity and Inclusion, thus contributing to a harmonious and supportive environment both onshore and at sea.

In 2024, no incidents of discrimination, violence, or harassment were reported through our online applications.

The figures below provide insights into the age diversity of both office employees and seafarers, gender diversity in managerial positions, gender diversity in STEM roles among office employees and the gender pay gap across office positions.

Danaos remains firm in its dedication to cultivating a workplace culture that upholds safety, respect, and inclusivity for all employees and stakeholders. At the heart of this commitment is the company’s zero-tolerance policy against violence and harassment in any form.

Female to Male Ratio Salary Gap

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Danaos participates in the All Aboard Alliance, a coalition of senior leaders from various sectors of the maritime industry. This alliance shares a collective vision of enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion within maritime organizations, both at sea and onshore. By fostering collaboration, the All Aboard Alliance seeks to drive positive change and shape a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive maritime industry. Danaos recognizes the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in building a resilient workforce and is proud to contribute to this impactful initiative, reaffirming our commitment to promoting positive social change within the industry and beyond.

In 2024, no incidents of discrimination, violence, or harassment were reported through our online applications.

Transparency and Accountability

Danaos strives to be one of the most transparent shipping companies globally and we have implemented a series of initiatives, reports and tools to collect and communicate data to all interested parties. These efforts are supported by a set of commitments and policies that cover areas such as sustainable development, compliance with IMO and EU MRV regulations, energy consumption and emissions, employee assessments and development and our interactions with the wider value chain.

Our Danaos Management System ensures accountability across departments and employees. By establishing clear organizational structures and communication channels, we enhance company efficiency and reduce workloads. The system includes business charters for committees, corporate governance guidelines, a Code of Conduct & Ethics for corporate officers and directors, job descriptions, policies, SOPs and working instructions. This framework helps prevent conflicts of interest, clearly assigns responsibilities and allows for the identification of potential violations.

Danaos employees can access the company’s Management System through personal computers on the company intranet. External stakeholders can view our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on the Danaos website. These practices align with our commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout our operations, helping us ensure continuous improvement in all aspects of our business.

Human Capital Training & Development

At Danaos Shipping, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth and development through our Performance Management System. In line with this commitment, in 2024, 100% of employees have been evaluated, receiving structured feedback on their performance and achievement of objectives. This process ensures transparency and provides a clear roadmap for professional growth, with each employee setting a personalized development plan for the following year. Additionally, through Talent Review meetings with Management, employees are assessed not only on their performance, but also on their potential and motivation. The insights gained from this process are directly linked to our Career Development Framework, ensuring that employees are supported in their career progression while aligning individual aspirations with the company’s long-term goals.

Danaos Assessment and Training Centre (DATC)

The Danaos Assessment and Training Centre (DATC) was established in 2016 to meet the training needs of the company’s fleet officers, crew and shore-based employees. Located at the Danaos Piraeus offices, the facility is equipped with a full-mission Bridge Simulator and state-of-the-art training resources. The DATC underscores the company’s commitment to providing top tier training facilities and further developing the competence of its personnel to ensure operational excellence. The DATC is certified and accredited by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping (DMS), holding the Approved Training Provider Certificate and ISO 9001:2015 certification. The DATC team works closely with all company departments to identify specific training needs, offering tailored training activities that aim to boost knowledge, awareness, competence and overall performance.

Through the DATC the following Simulation Trainings are provided:

An essential component of the training curriculum is Danaos’ Safety Management System (DSMS), incorporating real-life fleet experiences, feedback and lessons learned. The training program combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, using real-world scenarios in simulation-based drills to enhance skills and competence.

In-House Training Department

In 2024, we strengthened our Training Department to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. To enhance the scope of our training sessions, we increased the number of Training Officers assigned per nationality, ensuring a broader range of topics was effectively addressed.

Additionally, we introduced 16,300 hours of training for our seafarers through a newly implemented online-training platform. Beyond this, we developed and uploaded custom Danaos training programs, tailored to address root cause analyses and lessons learned, further reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Our highly skilled training department is dedicated to offering a wide range of seminars designed to enhance the skills, knowledge and expertise of individuals within the maritime industry. Through careful planning and expert instruction, these seminars cover essential topics that are vital to the success and safety of seafarers. The department utilizes innovative and interactive training methods to ensure participants receive a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

From navigation techniques and safety protocols to emergency response procedures, as well as the latest developments in maritime technology and international regulations, the seminars are tailored to meet the evolving needs of seafarers. With a strong commitment to excellence, our training department plays a crucial role in shaping capable and well-prepared professionals, equipping them to confidently and competently navigate the challenges of open seas.

Seafarers Training: Navigating the Path to Excellence

By prioritizing technical proficiency, safety, environmental awareness and continuous learning, our training programs enhance the competence and professionalism of seafarers, ensuring the reliability and safety of global shipping operations. To achieve this, we have developed in-house seminars and pre-boarding training and we continually assess training needs to ensure the safety and competence of our workforce.

Training for both employees and seafarers covers key areas, including:

Our computer-based training programs ensure ongoing evaluation and appraisal of seagoing and shore-based employees throughout their careers. A variety of seminars tailored to Danaos Shipping are held at our premises.

Seafarer Development

Danaos takes a proactive approach to fostering the professional development and skill enhancement of its seafarers through regular quarterly performance reviews. These assessments play a vital role in determining career advancement opportunities and identifying specific training and development needs. Utilizing an innovative online platform, feedback is collected from a wide range of sources, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. The assessment criteria cover key areas such as operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, adherence to safety standards and the demonstration of essential soft skills. By maintaining these high evaluation standards, Danaos promotes a culture of continuous improvement while reinforcing its unwavering commitment to excellence and safety in maritime operations.

Cadet Programs

Our cadet programs are designed to support aspiring maritime professionals from various countries, promoting skills development and long-term career growth. We collaborate with local maritime academies with comprehensive approach to maritime education, including rigorous theoretical and practical training aligned with international standards. The programs focus on disciplines such Deck and Engineering Watch Officer training and Electro-Technical, emphasizing safety, technical expertise and strict adherence to industry requirements. Graduates gain essential sea service experience through established placement programs, culminating in certifications that support their career progression. The program also provides ongoing professional development, wellness and tailored training, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for Danaos. During 2024, we had 116 participants from various countries aiming to increase the number during 2025.

Onboard Riding Trainer Program

In 2024, we launched the Onboard Riding Trainer initiative as part of our commitment to enhancing the training and development of our seafarers. This program involves the selection of experienced Deck and Engine Officers from within our crew, each with extensive expertise and a deep understanding of our company’s operations. These trainers are tasked with visiting vessels to provide on-the-job training for new seafarers, focusing on operational procedures, onboard systems, communication protocols and corporate culture.

The Onboard Riding Trainers act as consultants, sharing their knowledge and offering practical guidance on Deck and Engine Room responsibilities. Their mission is to ensure that new crew members gain a comprehensive understanding of Danaos practices and standards, safety culture, fostering a seamless integration into our operations.

Before embarking on their assignments, the selected trainers underwent extensive training in soft skills and mentoring techniques, equipping them to effectively guide and support their colleagues. This program reflects our dedication to cultivating a skilled and confident workforce, prepared to uphold Danaos’s high standards of excellence.

On-Shore Employee Training

We invest extensively in comprehensive training programs designed to facilitate smooth onboarding, enhance digital skills, promote awareness of rules and regulations, encourage safety measures, improve operational efficiency, advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and cultivate effective leadership skills. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in the thousands of training hours provided, delivered through various methods such as instructor-led sessions, webinars, seminars and other interactive platforms. By empowering our team with the necessary knowledge and skills, we not only strengthen our organizational capabilities but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible maritime sector. Acknowledging the critical need to stay ahead in the fast-changing maritime industry, Danaos has invested in this initiative to provide its workforce with the essential tools and knowledge. This proactive approach highlights the company’s dedication to innovation and ensures that its team is equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age, leading to enhanced performance and efficiency throughout the organization.

Digital Skills Development Program

As part of its commitment to digital transformation, Danaos Shipping has launched a comprehensive Digital Skills Development program for its office employees. Understanding the critical role of technology in the evolving maritime industry, the company has invested in equipping its workforce with essential digital competencies. Through this initiative, a total of 929 training hours have been offered, providing employees access to a wide array of courses designed to enhance their digital proficiency. This proactive strategy not only reinforces Danaos Shipping’s dedication to innovation but also empowers its team to adapt to the digital landscape, driving efficiency and operational excellence across the organization.

Effective Communication with Seafarers

Danaos Shipping recognizes the importance of clear and effective communication in fostering strong relationships between onshore teams and seafarers. To enhance collaboration and operational efficiency, the company has implemented a specialized Training Program for Effective Communication with Seafarers, designed for professionals who engage regularly with crew members onboard. The program covers key aspects such as verbal and written communication, body language, cultural awareness, providing clear guidelines, requesting feedback and maintaining regular communication channels. A total of 142 training hours have been delivered, equipping participants with the skills necessary to ensure seamless and respectful interactions. This initiative reflects Danaos Shipping’s commitment to strengthening teamwork, improving operational outcomes and supporting the well-being of its seafarers.

Career Path Framework

One of the key benefits of our Career Path Framework is its ability to provide employees with a clear pathway for career growth. By outlining the skills and experiences required for progression, individuals can take proactive steps to develop their capabilities and advance within the organization. This not only enhances employee engagement and job satisfaction but also strengthen our talent pipeline, ensuring that we have the right people in the right roles at every level of the organization. Importantly, our Career Path Framework is an integral component of our broader Human Resources Management strategy, which encompasses Performance Management, Talent Management and Training & Development. By integrating career progression into these core processes, we create a holistic approach to employee development, where individuals are supported at every stage of their career journey.

Talent Attraction

We take a comprehensive approach to attracting top talent. We actively promote exciting career opportunities through multiple channels, emphasizing the meaningful impact employees can have within our dynamic organization. Our competitive compensation packages, extensive benefits and strong focus on professional growth make us an appealing destination for the best talent. In essence, we don’t just seek talent— we create an environment that naturally draws exceptional individuals.

Danaos is a leader in modern recruitment practices, utilizing cutting-edge technology to identify and evaluate candidates whose skills and values align seamlessly with our company’s goals and culture. Through innovative platforms and tools, we streamline the recruitment process, ensuring each potential team member undergoes a thorough assessment that goes beyond traditional measures.

In 2024, we welcomed 61 new office employees 3 of whom were promoted from our fleet. Among the new hires, 44% were female employees.

Human Rights

In our commitment to responsible business practices, Danaos proudly aligns with the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as internationally recognized frameworks such as those of the UN and OECD. Our dedication goes beyond complying with local laws; we actively uphold fundamental human rights within our operations. This includes respecting the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, strongly opposing forced labor, child labor and all forms of discrimination in employment and occupation. Additionally, we maintain rigorous standards for working conditions and prioritize the safety and well-being of our people. This steadfast commitment demonstrates our unwavering dedication to fostering fair, equitable and safe work environments for all.

We are resolutely committed to respecting human rights across all facets of our business. We recognize that our operations can have a significant impact on the lives and well-being of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate. Danaos’ Human Rights Policy represents our voluntary commitment to promoting human rights and ensures their respect throughout our supply chain and business practices.

We are devoted to protecting the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and international human rights standards.

Discrimination, harassment, or any form of abuse will not be tolerated within our company.

Failure to adhere to this Human Rights Policy may result in disciplinary actions for employees, which could include (subject to domestic law) termination or dismissal.

We are committed to continually improving our human rights performance. This includes regular assessments, training for our employees and suppliers and actively engaging with human rights organizations and initiatives. To enrich this process and ensure its effectiveness, we adopt the following stakeholder engagement strategies: At Danaos, we firmly believe that respecting and promoting human rights is not only a moral obligation but also essential for the long-term success and sustainability of our business. We work diligently to uphold these principles and we encourage all our stakeholders to join us in this endeavor.

If there is a breach of Human Rights, everyone has the option to report it either externally through the Ethics & Compliance Policy, or internally though the Grievance procedure.

We recognize the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and human rights. We take steps to reduce our environmental impact, contribute to the fight against climate change and protect the rights of future generations to a healthy and sustainable environment.

Labor Rights

We commit to upholding the rights of all workers, including:

Freedom of Association: Employees have the right to join or not join trade unions or workers’ organizations of their choice, without fear of retaliation or discrimination. On top of that, 100% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Fair Wages and Benefits: We provide fair and competitive compensation packages that meet or exceed legal and industry standards.
Safe and Healthy Workplace: Danaos Shipping ensures that all employees and seafarers have a safe and healthy working environment by complying with all relevant health and safety regulations.
Child Labor: We strictly adhere to minimum age requirements in accordance with international labor standards.

Child, Forced and Compulsory Labor

We recognize the critical importance of addressing child labor risks within our operations and supply chains. Danaos maintains a strict policy of not employing any seafarer under the age of 18, in any capacity. Age verification is conducted prior to employment to ensure compliance with this standard and to align with international labor conventions and best practices.

Our commitment extends beyond our direct operations and into the global community. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible business practices that protect the well-being of all individuals involved in our value chain.

We actively engage with our suppliers to communicate our zero-tolerance policy on child labor and align on expectations for ethical and socially responsible conduct. Transparency and accountability are central to our supplier selection process. We require all suppliers to comply with applicable labor laws and industry best practices, including fair employment policies, health and safety measures, and zero tolerance for corruption.

When selecting suppliers, we prioritize ethical and responsible business practices to mitigate risks associated with child labor, especially in industries such as manufacturing and in geographic areas where such risks may be more prevalent. We aim to build a network of suppliers who share our values and commitment to human rights.

Danaos has implemented comprehensive policies that explicitly prohibit all forms of child labor. These policies are communicated throughout the organization and to our suppliers. They are continuously reviewed and updated to remain aligned with international labor standards and evolving expectations.

Through these efforts, we contribute to the effective abolition of child labor while ensuring that the products and services supporting our operations not only meet high performance standards but also reflect our social responsibility.

Security Practices

All deck personnel (52%) with designated security responsibilities receive training on methods for conducting physical searches of individuals. As outlined in our Ship Security Plan (SSP), any search is to be carried out with full respect for the individual’s human rights and dignity. In addition to the SSP, the SSO Danaos Security Training Manual, used for onboard training, provides detailed instructions and techniques for conducting searches. This manual also outlines specific items to be considered to ensure respect and professionalism in every situation. No security personnel are provided by contractors.

Our Strong Community Engagement

Our strategic priority is to generate value for society and the communities in which we operate, while keeping our employees engaged and actively involved through a variety of voluntary initiatives. We believe in the strength of solidarity and our community investment efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable groups and institutions.

Empowering Communities – Commitment to Health & Inclusivity

We proudly participate in the Race for the Cure organized by the NGO “Alma Zois” during the Greece Race for the Cure event, showcasing our commitment to raising awareness and supporting the fight against breast cancer. Our team’s enthusiastic involvement reflects our dedication to backing crucial causes that impact our communities. We also collaborate with ELEPAP, an NGO that supports children with disabilities, in running the Athens Classic Marathon. Through these events, Danaos Shipping reaffirms its steadfast commitment to promoting health, well-being and inclusivity in society. Through the “Act of Joy” initiative, we donate to NGOs that protect children.

Danaos also promotes employee well-being and supports the broader community by establishing the Danaos Blood Bank. This innovative initiative provides employees with the opportunity to donate blood, benefiting not only their colleagues and families in times of need but also contributing to the overall health system of the country.

Fostering Maritime Education

We remain committed to fostering the development of future maritime professionals by actively engaging with academic institutions and schools. In 2024, we had the privilege of hosting 254 students from Greek and international universities, as well as over 100 students from local schools. These interactions provided valuable insights into the maritime industry, offering hands-on experiences and knowledge to inspire and educate the next generation of professionals. Through these initiatives, Danaos plays an integral role in developing essential skills and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the maritime sector within the academic community. This reflects our ongoing dedication to investing in education and the growth of young talent, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Beyond our work with schools and universities, we have actively participated in Maritime Career Events, where we share key information about career opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in the maritime sector. This reinforces our commitment to talent development and career advancement. Furthermore, our involvement in the “Adopt a Ship” initiative, led by “Project Connect,” highlights our dedication to both education and community engagement. Through this innovative program, we support 15 vessels over the course of an academic year, connecting primary and high school students with seafarers. This initiative helps to educate young people about the maritime profession, deepen their understanding of maritime careers and create valuable connections between students and industry professionals.

We continue “Students Onboard” Educational Voyages, part of the “Management in Maritime Science and Technology” Master’s Program, in collaboration with the University of Piraeus and the Hellenic Naval Academy. This initiative offers graduate students an invaluable opportunity to embark on voyages between ports, spending up to a week onboard Danaos vessels. During these voyages, students gain practical experience and insights into real-world maritime operations, further enriching their academic journey and preparing them for successful careers in the industry.

We remain committed to fostering the development of future maritime professionals by actively engaging with academic institutions and schools.

Charting Futures: Summer Internship Experience

We offer dynamic and enriching summer internships designed to provide aspiring professionals with a unique and hands-on experience in the maritime industry. Our summer internship program is crafted to expose participants to various facets of our operations, from vessel management and logistics to financial analysis and corporate governance. Interns at Danaos work closely with experienced professionals, gaining insights into the complexities of the global shipping market.

We foster an environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking and collaboration, allowing interns to contribute meaningfully to Danaos projects. This program not only equips participants with industry-specific knowledge but also nurtures their professional growth, preparing them for future challenges in the maritime sector. At Danaos, we believe in investing in the next generation of maritime leaders and our summer internships provide a valuable platform for students to explore their interests and build a foundation for a successful career in the maritime industry

Empowering the Next Generation

The Danaos Scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting talented and driven individuals pursuing education in maritime-related fields. Through financial assistance, Danaos seeks to inspire and acknowledge exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a passion for advancing the maritime industry. Our scholarship program emphasizes the importance of investing in education as a catalyst for innovation and success in the ever-evolving global shipping sector. As Danaos scholarship recipients embark on their educational paths, we eagerly anticipate their growth and future contributions to the industry. Additionally, we award six scholarships to university students in recognition of their dedication to becoming future maritime professionals.

The Danaos Scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting talented and driven individuals pursuing education in maritime-related fields.

Leading the Way in Environmental Responsibility

We remain firm in our commitment to environmental protection through a series of impactful initiatives. Our dedication to preserving coastal ecosystems was demonstrated through our participation in the International Coastal Cleanup Campaign organized by HELMEPA, where 75 Danaos employees collaborated to remove marine debris and safeguard our coastlines. Also more than 25 employees participated in our annual tree afforestation initiative in collaboration with the NGO We4All. In addition to these efforts, Danaos supports sustainability through clothing recycling initiatives. By partnering with Fabric Republic, in 2024 we facilitated the recycling of over 100 kilograms of clothing, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.

These initiatives reflect our steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and our proactive approach to creating a sustainable and positive impact on the planet.