The DDG is governed by the DDG Charter and is structured as follows:
- Executive Committee: as the governing body of the DDG, the Executive Committee is responsible for the overall management and control of the DDG. It consists of between 3 and 7 members, including a representative from ESS and one from each of the three main User types, i.e. ship operators, cargo owners and banks. All User Members can vote to elect members of the Executive Committee, but only Strategic Members can stand for election.
- Workgroups: The DDG coordinates Workgroups for each stakeholder group to provide feedback and input into the future direction of the Exchange. These Workgroups are the primary forum for Users to provide feedback on the ESS-Databridge™ Services. The Executive Committee is responsible for creating and managing workgroups on an as needed basis to meet the aims of the DDG and the requirements of Members. Only Strategic DDG members and invited Observers are eligible to sit on Workgroups.
- CargoDocs™ Simulations: The DDG regularly organizes Simulations to enable DDG members to experience CargoDocs™ in real trade routes. Simulations are only open to DDG members.
- Workshops: The DDG organises Workshops to educate the industry about the benefits of eDocs, to discuss items of concern regarding electronic commerce in shipping and trade and to obtain simulation or Pilot participants' feedback prior to adopting CargoDocs™. Workshops are open to members and non-members.
- Annual User Conference: AGMs are held every 12 months. The next User Conference will be held in April 2011 in Europe. The agenda for this Conference will be set by the Executive Committee, but will consist of closed meetings for User Members, followed by open meetings for all Members and Observers. The Conference will provide a year-in review and an insight into the near-term direction of the Exchange.
- DDG Team: The DDG Team acts as a secretariat and carries out the day-to-day work of the DDG, typically working together with members of ESS and our DDG Members. It manages Membership enquiries and organizes all DDG events including Marketing Workshops, Product Workgroups, Steering Groups and the AGM. The DDG Team also ensures that the Extranet is constantly updated to provide Members of the DDG with a vital resource tool and information on the progress of eDocs Rollouts.