What's Happening?
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) have renewed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to enhance safety, environmental protection, and security in the marine transportation sector. This agreement aligns the Responsible Care® program with AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program®, streamlining safety practices across the chemical and marine industries. The renewed MOA aims to reduce duplicative audits and improve efficiency, reflecting current regulatory environments and industry expectations. This partnership underscores a commitment to continuous improvement and operational integrity in the chemical value chain.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of this agreement is significant for the U.S. marine transportation and chemical industries,
as it promotes a unified approach to safety and environmental stewardship. By aligning safety practices, the agreement enhances the reliability and resilience of marine transportation, which is crucial for the chemical industry's supply chain. This collaboration also demonstrates leadership in addressing safety and environmental challenges, benefiting companies, employees, and communities involved in these sectors.
What's Next?
The ACC and AWO will work together to develop a single audit instrument that meets the requirements of both programs, coordinate auditor training, and maintain regular communication to update performance frameworks. This ongoing collaboration aims to further enhance health, safety, environmental, and security performance across the chemical and marine transportation sectors. The partnership will also focus on building strong, transparent relationships with communities and regulators.
