Alaska Chadux Network

Overview

The Alaska Chadux Network (ACN) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization classified as a 501(c)(4), headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. It serves as Alaska's premier oil spill response organization, dedicated to providing comprehensive compliance and response services to vessels and facilities across Western Alaska and other regions.

History and Formation

ACN was founded in response to the unique challenges faced by the petroleum industry in Alaska, particularly following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. The organization emerged from the consolidation of the Alaska Chadux Corporation and the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network.

Mission

The primary mission of ACN is to ensure regulatory compliance with federal and state oil spill prevention and response requirements. It aims to advance innovative solutions to meet the distinctive challenges of operating in Alaska and the U.S. Arctic region. This involves providing critical support to mariners and protecting the marine environment through best practices and technological advancements.

Services and Capabilities

ACN offers a wide range of services:

• Oil Spill Response: ACN maintains 17 strategically located response hubs across Southcentral and Western Alaska, enabling rapid response to incidents. It is the most comprehensive oil spill response organization in Western Alaska.
• Compliance Services: ACN ensures compliance with U.S. oil pollution prevention regulations, supporting both tank and non-tank vessels.
• Vessel Tracking and Monitoring: ACN collaborates with partners like the Marine Exchange of Alaska to monitor vessels and aid in compliance with Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) measures.
• Research and Development: The organization invests in developing cutting-edge technologies for oil spill prevention and response, such as the Emergency Vessel Attachment & Towing System (EVATS) and Arctic vessel geofencing projects.
• Professional Training and Exercises: ACN conducts regular training and exercises to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Governance and Membership

ACN is governed by a Board of Directors composed of industry executives who fund and guide its operations. The organization maintains active memberships with several professional associations, including the Spill Control Association of America and the International Spill Control Organization.

Certifications and Ratings

ACN is rated as a Tier 1, 2, and 3 spill response organization by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is also registered as a Primary Response Action Contractor (PRAC) with the State of Alaska, covering most regions except Southeast Alaska.