The DPN's remit is to foster enhanced and more structured port regional cooperation through a formal network linking private and public maritime and river port organisations in the Danube Region based on a non-binding cooperation agreement (not legally binding, entered into voluntarily, open-ended).

Its centralized coordination is ensured by a Technical Secretariat currently managed and staffed by Pro Danube Management GmbH following a defined yearly service portfolio.

The one-tier governance structure of the DPN consists of:

• Partners Forum (the plenary body),
• Advisory Board (responsible for the strategic management),
• Technical Secretariat (TS) (co-ordination & operational body).

Depending on the issues tackled, ad-hoc working groups comprising selective partners, academia representatives, etc. are organised.