Chemical Industry and Tugboat Groups Renew Safety Agreement

The American Chemistry Council and American Waterways Operators extend partnership to streamline audits and enhance safety.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) have renewed a memorandum of agreement that reaffirms their shared commitment to enhancing safety, environmental protection, and security through the Responsible Care program and AWO's Responsible Carrier Program. The renewed agreement modernizes and expands the nearly two-decade partnership, creating a streamlined audit framework that reduces duplication for companies participating in both programs.

Why it matters

This agreement demonstrates the chemical industry and marine transportation sectors' unified leadership in prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship. By aligning their audit processes, the organizations are creating efficiencies that benefit companies, employees, communities, and the broader supply chain that relies on safe and reliable marine operations.

The details

The renewed agreement allows Responsible Care partner companies in the marine sector to use the AWO Responsible Carrier Program audit framework to meet their Responsible Care certification obligations. This alignment recognizes areas of consistency between the two programs, reducing duplicative audits and strengthening efficiency between supply chain partners. ACC and AWO will jointly develop a single audit instrument, coordinate auditor training, align documentation expectations, and maintain regular communication as either organization updates its performance frameworks.

  • The agreement was renewed on February 20, 2026.

The players

American Chemistry Council

A trade association representing a diverse set of companies engaged in the business of chemistry.

American Waterways Operators

The national trade association representing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which operates on the United States' inland and coastal waterways.

Responsible Care

A global chemical industry initiative focused on continuously improving environmental, health, safety and security performance.

Responsible Carrier Program

AWO's safety management system that has been the standard for towing vessel safety for more than three decades.

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What they’re saying

“Our members rely on a safe, reliable and resilient marine transportation system every day. 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 real efficiencies that benefit companies, employees, communities and the broader supply chain.”

— Chris Jahn, President and CEO, American Chemistry Council

“Safety is the bedrock of our industry, and this agreement reinforces that commitment. The Responsible Carrier Program has been the standard bearer for towing vessel safety for more than three decades. 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.”

— Jennifer Carpenter, President and CEO, American Waterways Operators

What’s next

The agreement calls for ACC and AWO to jointly develop a single audit instrument, coordinate auditor training, align documentation expectations, and maintain regular communication as either organization updates its performance frameworks.

The takeaway

This renewed partnership between the chemical industry and marine transportation sectors demonstrates their shared commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity. By aligning their audit processes, the organizations are creating efficiencies that benefit the entire supply chain while upholding the high standards of their respective safety programs.