The Port of Gothenburg operates within a critical, regulated sector where trust, transparency, and accountability are essential. Sound governance is key to preventing misconduct, ensuring compliance, and creating long-term value for society, industry, and all stakeholders affected by the port’s operations.

Business ethics and responsibility across the value chain

The Port of Gothenburg has zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, undue influence, misconduct, and conflicts of interest. The Code of Conduct outlines how employees and representatives are expected to act in matters related to business ethics, representation, secondary employment, conflicts of interest, and information handling. All new employees are introduced to the Code, and staff in key roles receive ongoing training in public procurement, legal compliance, and risk management.

A significant share of the port’s impact occurs through suppliers and contractors. Therefore, clear requirements are set for suppliers to comply with the ILO core conventions, respect human rights, and ensure health, safety, and sound working practices. Suppliers must act without corruption or unfair competition and meet legal requirements related to financial reporting, taxation, and permits. Throughout the contract period, suppliers provide self-declarations confirming compliance with these requirements.

Business ethics and corruption risks are continuously addressed through risk assessments, internal controls, and within management teams and training initiatives, in line with the City of Gothenburg’s compliance guidelines.

Monitoring, control, and reporting mechanisms

To ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines, the Port of Gothenburg conducts background checks, financial reviews, follow-ups on work environment plans, and on-site inspections of contractors. Internally, confidentiality and conflict-of-interest declarations are used in all procurement processes, and procedures are in place to manage conflict-of-interest risks, for example through adjusted working groups or exclusion from evaluation processes.

Control measures such as the four-eyes principle in approvals and invoice handling contribute to increased transparency and reduced risk of misconduct. In cases of serious non-compliance, contracts may be terminated or suppliers excluded.

The Port of Gothenburg is covered by the City of Gothenburg’s whistleblowing function, which meets the requirements of the EU Whistleblower Directive. The function is open to employees, suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders, enabling anonymous reporting of serious irregularities. Cases are handled in a legally secure, confidential, and independent manner.

Open dialogue with decision-makers and the wider community

The Port of Gothenburg is a municipally owned company and does not engage in party-political activities. The company does not provide financial contributions to political parties, candidates, or election campaigns.

Dialogue with political decision-makers, authorities, and public stakeholders aims to provide factual information, analysis, and experience on issues that affect the port’s long-term development. Advocacy is conducted openly and transparently, in line with the company’s business plan, sustainability strategy, and owner directives.

Public affairs activities focus on areas where the Port of Gothenburg does not have full control, but where regulations and political decisions play a significant role, particularly in climate, energy transition, transport, infrastructure, and preparedness. Dialogue takes place at local, regional, national, and international levels through consultation responses, structured meetings, and participation in industry and collaborative organizations.

Internationally, the Port of Gothenburg participates in European and global forums for ports and shipping, contributing to the development of common positions and regulatory frameworks for the transition of the transport sector. All dialogue is conducted in accordance with the City of Gothenburg’s guidelines and the company’s Code of Conduct, with clear mandates and allocation of responsibilities.

Risks and responsibilities in a regulated environment

The Port of Gothenburg operates in a sector where risks of bribery and corruption may arise, particularly in procurement and contracting. Despite clear requirements, controls, and follow-ups, these risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Failures may affect workers, market competition, and trust in the organisation.

Through systematic efforts in business ethics, compliance, monitoring, and transparency, the Port of Gothenburg strives to prevent risks and operate in a responsible, robust, and trust-building manner.