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ACS, AWO Continue Chemical Safety Cooperation

[ March 5, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The American Chemistry Council and American Waterways Operators have renewed a memorandum of agreement aimed at aligning safety and audit standards across the chemical and marine transportation sectors.

The agreement reaffirms cooperation between the chemical industry’s Responsible Care program and AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program, creating a streamlined compliance pathway for marine companies that participate in both initiatives.

Under the renewed memorandum, Responsible Care partner companies in the marine sector may use the Responsible Carrier Program audit framework to meet their Responsible Care certification requirements. The alignment is intended to reduce duplicative audits, improve administrative efficiency and reinforce shared commitments to safety, environmental protection and security.

The two organizations said the updated agreement reflects current regulatory expectations and the expanding role of marine transportation in the chemical supply chain. The partnership builds on nearly two decades of cooperation between the groups.

“Our members rely on a safe, reliable and resilient marine transportation system every day,” said ACC President and CEO Chris Jahn. “By strengthening alignment between Responsible Care and the Responsible Carrier Program, ACC and AWO are demonstrating unified leadership in safety and environmental stewardship and creating efficiencies that benefit companies, employees, communities and the broader supply chain.”

AWO President and CEO Jennifer Carpenter said the agreement reinforces safety as a core industry principle. “The Responsible Carrier Program has been the standard-bearer for towing vessel safety for more than three decades,” she said. “Partnering with ACC to create a streamlined, jointly recognized audit framework underscores the trust and collaboration between our industries and will help advance safety and security performance on our waterways.”

As part of the agreement, ACC and AWO will jointly develop a single audit instrument that satisfies the requirements of both programs, coordinate auditor training, align documentation standards and maintain ongoing communication when performance frameworks are updated.

The organizations said the goal is to reduce duplication for companies participating in both programs while maintaining the rigor and accountability associated with Responsible Care and the Responsible Carrier Program.

ACC represents chemical manufacturers and advocates for science-based policy, sustainability practices and continuous performance improvement. AWO represents the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, whose vessels move cargo along U.S. inland waterways, coasts and the Great Lakes as part of the nation’s supply chain and maritime security infrastructure.

Tags: American Chemical Council, American Waterways Operators