Polaris Applied Sciences
Polaris Applied Sciences is a privately held environmental consulting firm providing scientific support for oil spill response, NRDA, coral grounding assessment, and SCAT methodology to oil and gas operators, government agencies, and pipeline and rail companies worldwide. Founded in 1998 and based in Washington State.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersKirkland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Polaris Applied Sciences does
Polaris Applied Sciences, Inc. is a privately held environmental consulting firm founded in 1998 through the merger of three spill-response companies, headquartered in Kirkland, Washington with offices in Seattle and Bainbridge Island. The firm provides scientific and technical support for oil and chemical spill response, Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), coral grounding assessment and restoration, shoreline cleanup assessment technique (SCAT) leadership, spill contingency planning, and marine habitat assessment. Its Principals and scientific staff carry over 100 years of combined response experience across 200+ spills and groundings, and the firm's senior scientists helped develop the SCAT methodology in the 1980s and co-developed the internationally deployed RETOS readiness assessment tool with ARPEL and ExxonMobil, as well as the FAST shoreline treatment decision-support tool.
The company monetizes through project-based consulting engagements and fee-based technical training courses (SCAT certification, IMO OPRC Levels 1-3, ICS, Environmental Unit, Inland Spill Response, Oil Spill Operations, and RETOS workshops) delivered in English and Spanish across multiple geographies. Clients include major oil and gas operators (Chevron, Exxon Neftegas), pipeline and rail operators (Kinder Morgan, Trans Mountain, BNSF Railway), waste management firms (Republic Services), national and regional government agencies (Transport Canada, Alaska DEC, Belize DOE, IMO), and First Nations communities. Engagement is secured through direct senior-principal outreach, industry conferences (IOSC, INTERSPILL, Clean Pacific), government contracts, and cooperative networks including the Rapid Response Group.
The firm operates with a lean team of 1-10 employees spanning principals and environmental scientists, supported by a broader bench of deployed subcontractors. There is no evidence of external funding, parent company, or institutional investment. The go-to-market is exclusively enterprise field sales with no channel partners or self-service distribution, and marketing is relationship-driven through conference presence, peer-reviewed publications, and bilingual (English/Spanish) content marketing.
Polaris Applied Sciences firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Polaris Applied Sciences
- Legal name
- Polaris Applied Sciences, Inc.
- Website
- https://polarisappliedsciences.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Polaris Applied Sciences is a privately held environmental consulting firm providing scientific support for oil spill response, NRDA, coral grounding assessment, and SCAT methodology to oil and gas operators, government agencies, and pipeline and rail companies worldwide. Founded in 1998 and based in Washington State.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Polaris Applied Sciences industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Consulting — Oil Spill Response and Natural Resource Damage Assessment
- NAICS
- Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Oil & Gas Field Services, Nec (1389), Services-Engineering Services (8711)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Oil Spill Response & Recovery (Marine & Inland Waters) (EUAIAMAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Oil Spill Contingency Planning (OSCP) & Response Readiness (EUAHALAD), Incident Command System (ICS) & Emergency Management Training/Exercises (Tabletop/Drills) (EUAHALAE), Emergency Response & Incident Command (Oil Spill/HAZMAT, SAR Support) (TLAHAIAC), Marine Surveying, Inspection & Claims (EDAOANAO)
Keywords
Where Polaris Applied Sciences is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kirkland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Polaris Applied Sciences business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Consulting and Professional Services: Project-based consulting engagements providing scientific and technical support during oil spill response, NRDA, and restoration projects. Engagements are scoped and quoted based on incident complexity, duration, and personnel required. This is the primary revenue stream.
- Technical Training Courses: Fee-based technical training courses including SCAT certification, IMO OPRC model courses, ICS training, Environmental Unit training, Inland Spill Response, Oil Spill Operations, Spill Contingency Planning, and RETOS workshops. Offered in multiple durations (1-5 days) and locations globally, both publicly scheduled and private corporate engagements.
- Long-term Assessment and Monitoring Contracts: Multi-year restoration monitoring and assessment contracts following incidents (e.g., Grand Bahama restoration monitoring from Hurricane Dorian oil spill).
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Polaris Applied Sciences product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Polaris Applied Sciences provides scientific and technical consulting support for oil spill response, natural resource damage assessment (NRDA), vessel grounding incidents, and marine habitat restoration. The firm leads shoreline response operations (including SCAT), staffs Incident Command System Environmental Units, develops contingency plans, and delivers a global portfolio of fee-based technical training courses (SCAT certification, IMO OPRC, ICS, Environmental Unit, inland and coastal spill response, and RETOSv2 readiness workshops).
Product overview
Polaris Applied Sciences is a service-based environmental consulting firm offering a comprehensive suite of oil spill response, assessment, and restoration services. The company operates as a unified service offering rather than a software platform. Core services include Scientific Support of Oil Spill Response, Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), Coral Grounding Assessment and Restoration, Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT), Aerial Video Surveys and Mapping, Restoration, Oil Spill Research and Development, Oil Spill Response Exercises, and Marine Habitat Assessment Studies. Technical training is a significant component, offering courses including SCAT Certification, IMO OPRC Model Courses (Levels 1, 2, and 3), Incident Command System (ICS) Training, Oil Spill Contingency Planning, Inland Spill Response, Coastal/Marine Spill Response, Environmental Unit Training, Oil Spill Operations, and RETOSv2 for Oil Spill Readiness Assessment. These services are provided globally with support for pre-spill planning, spill response, NRDA, and grounding incidents.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scientific Support of Oil Spill Response Leadership for shoreline response operations encompassing shoreline assessment (SCAT), cleanup, inspections, and damage assessment during oil spill incidents. Sold to oil and gas operators, pipeline and rail companies, and government incident commanders.
- Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Technical expertise from pre-planning through restoration supporting critical operational decisions in the context of NRDA and restoration concerns for responsible parties, trustees, and counsel.
- Coral Grounding Assessment and Restoration Scientific diving-based support for coral reef damages from ship casualties, anchor damage, oil and chemical spills, and wreck removal alternatives; includes restoration design and monitoring for shipping clients and trustees.
- Spill Prevention and Contingency Planning Development of spill response plans, tactical and strategy site plans, prevention and contingency plans, including national planning initiatives, integrated response plans, fleet plans, spill and operations manuals, and practical guidelines for response personnel.
- Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) Services Systematic documentation of oil spill impacts along shorelines through the SCAT methodology. Polaris scientists helped develop SCAT and have performed SCAT leadership and management functions for many significant spill events.
- Aerial Video Surveys and Mapping Aerial video surveys for shore-zone mapping, coastal inventories, and oil spill countermeasures planning, including drone-based SCAT reconnaissance.
- Restoration Services Technical representation for responsible parties on restoration projects, including trustee liaison, assessment of alternative restoration/compensation, project design and coordination, and ecological monitoring.
- Oil Spill Research and Development Initiative to quantify, report, and collaborate with the response and research communities to understand spill impacts upon multiple ecosystem components.
- Oil Spill Response Exercises In-person and virtual support in multiple Incident Command System (ICS) roles for small or large-scale drills and exercises, including full-scale terminal exercises and tabletop scenarios.
- Marine Habitat Assessment Studies Biological and environmental assessments, baseline and mitigation studies, and project impact studies for marine construction and other projects.
- SCAT Certification Course Shoreline response training providing grounding in coastal processes, shoreline character, and fate and behavior of spilled and stranded oil with standardized SCAT methodology for documentation and description of oiled shorelines. Offered in English and Spanish globally.
- Incident Command System (ICS) Training Training on the model tool for command, control, and coordination of emergency response including ICS Levels 100, 200, and 300.
- Oil Spill Contingency Planning Training Contingency plan familiarization training providing organizational concepts for development of spill plans, information sources, plan content, and responsibilities.
- Inland Spill Response Training Training on spill response challenges in inland areas covering fate and behavior of spills, health and safety, containment and recovery strategies, cleanup operations, and waste handling.
- Spill Response in Coastal/Marine Environments Training Training covering offshore response options, coastal priorities and protection, and cleanup for marine and coastal environments.
- Environmental Unit Training Training on roles, responsibilities, and tools for implementing and working within the Environmental Unit under the Incident Command System.
- Oil Spill Operations Training Operational training providing personnel with the knowledge required to organize work teams and use spill equipment, including boom deployment, pumps and skimmers, dispersant application, controlled burns, and shoreline cleanup operations.
- IMO OPRC Model Courses (Levels 1, 2, and 3) IMO-approved courses for oil spill response training at three levels: Level 1 for operational staff and first responders, Level 2 for supervisors and commanders, and Level 3 for senior management.
- RETOSv2 Training Course Course introducing participants to the ARPEL Oil Spill Response Planning and Readiness Assessment Manual and Excel Tool for evaluating oil spill response planning and readiness.
Quantifiable outcome
- Supported or led SCAT programs in 13 major spills in just the last 3 years
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Polaris Applied Sciences
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Polaris Applied Sciences technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Polaris Applied Sciences partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rapid Response Group (RRG)corePolaris officially joined Rapid Response Group, contributing NRDA, SCAT, and scientific support capabilities to this integrated all-hazards response cooperative. RRG combines response, operations, equipment, and science under a single framework with shared tools and workflows, allowing teams to operate as one. Polaris gains access to integrated project pipeline across disciplines from initial mobilization through restoration.
- Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC)minorWCMRC is a marine response organization. Polaris deployed two personnel to provide SCAT Team Lead and data management support during a response in Sidney, BC, working within WCMRC's shoreline assessment effort under unified command.
- TRIOX Environmental EmergenciescorePolaris partnered with TRIOX Environmental Emergencies to contribute to a PERSGA-led regional initiative for mapping and habitat restoration in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Polaris leads the spatial analysis component identifying and mapping restoration opportunities for mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs through multi-criteria spatial modeling and environmental suitability assessments.
- PERSGA (Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden)minorPolaris partnered with TRIOX Environmental Emergencies to contribute to a PERSGA-led regional initiative focused on mapping and advancing habitat restoration opportunities across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. PERSGA leads the initiative while Polaris contributes spatial analysis expertise.
- ARPEL (Latin American Energy Organization)coreElliott Taylor of Polaris co-developed the ARPEL Oil Spill Response Planning and Readiness Assessment Manual and the RETOS (Readiness Evaluation Tool for Oil Spills) with ARPEL and ExxonMobil. RETOS v2 was launched at IOSC 2014 and is freely available. The tool assists governments and companies in assessing oil spill response planning and readiness against internationally agreed criteria.
- IMO (International Maritime Organization)coreDr. Elliott Taylor serves as an IMO expert consultant and has been on teams conducting IMO model courses in oil spill response (OPRC). He has led IMO-UNEP workshops in Antigua & Barbuda and participated in regional IMO training programs in Belize, Caribbean nations, and other locations.
- RAC-REMPEITC (Regional Activity Centre for the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre)minorRAC-REMPEITC-Caribe (Curacao) organized workshops in which Polaris personnel participated as instructors, including the Belize National OPRC workshops. Collaboration is ongoing through regional capacity-building programs in the Caribbean.
- CCA-OSRL (Clean Caribbean & Americas - Oil Spill Response Limited)minorPersonnel from CCA-OSRL co-led the IMO-UNEP National Workshop on Oil Spill Contingency Planning and Response for Antigua & Barbuda alongside Polaris.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Polaris Applied Sciences competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Stantec: Stantec is a major global environmental consulting firm that has historically engaged Polaris for SCAT training (50+ personnel trained in 2024). A broader incumbent with environmental services across many verticals, increasingly building internal spill response capacity.
- Tetra Tech: Tetra Tech is a leading consulting and engineering firm with deep water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure practices. Acquiring RPS Group in 2024, it now competes broadly with Polaris in NRDA, oil spill response, and marine environmental consulting globally.
- Environmental Resources Management (ERM): ERM is a global sustainability and environmental consulting firm that serves many of the same oil & gas enterprise clients as Polaris. Offers overlapping services in environmental impact assessment, NRDA support, and remediation planning.
- AECOM: AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with a large environmental services practice that competes for NRDA, restoration, and spill response work. Competes with Polaris for prime contractor roles and offers broader, scaled alternatives to enterprise clients.
Direct peers
- Clean Caribbean & Americas (CCA): CCA is a not-for-profit oil spill response organization serving the Caribbean and Americas. Polaris has co-led IMO-UNEP workshops with CCA, indicating overlapping service offerings in regional SCAT, training, and contingency planning.
- Witt O'Brien's: Witt O'Brien's is a crisis and emergency management consulting firm specializing in oil spill response, ICS, and Planning Section Environmental Unit support. Direct peer in ICS integration and Emergency Response planning services.
- Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC): MSRC is a non-profit oil spill response organization providing response capabilities and scientific support to the maritime industry. Comparable to Polaris in spill response and Inland/Coastal Zone services, with overlapping customer base.
- Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL): OSRL is a global oil spill response cooperative owned by major oil companies, providing response services, SCAT support, and training. Directly comparable to Polaris in spill response scientific support and SCAT, with overlapping customer base in major oil companies.
- TRIOX Environmental Emergencies: TRIOX is a specialty emergency response and environmental consulting firm that has partnered with Polaris on the PERSGA Red Sea initiative. Comparable niche firm focused on HAZMAT, oil spill preparedness, and contingency planning.
Emerging players
- IRIS Environmental: IRIS Environmental is a smaller specialty firm offering oil spill response, SCAT, and environmental consulting services. Comparable niche focus on SCAT methodology and spill response, similar business model as a small specialty consultancy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Polaris Applied Sciences social profiles
Digital presencePolaris Applied Sciences financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Polaris Applied Sciences leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Polaris Applied Sciences funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Polaris Applied Sciences M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Polaris Applied Sciences
What does Polaris Applied Sciences do?
Polaris Applied Sciences provides scientific and technical consulting support for oil spill response, natural resource damage assessment (NRDA), vessel grounding incidents, and marine habitat restoration. The firm leads shoreline response operations (including SCAT), staffs Incident Command System Environmental Units, develops contingency plans, and delivers a global portfolio of fee-based technical training courses (SCAT certification, IMO OPRC, ICS, Environmental Unit, inland and coastal spill response, and RETOSv2 readiness workshops).
Is Polaris Applied Sciences a public or private company?
Polaris Applied Sciences is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Polaris Applied Sciences founded?
Polaris Applied Sciences was founded in 1998. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Polaris Applied Sciences based?
Polaris Applied Sciences is headquartered in Kirkland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Polaris Applied Sciences make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Consulting and Professional Services are the primary driver. The others are technical Training Courses and long-term Assessment and Monitoring Contracts.
Who are Polaris Applied Sciences's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Stantec, Tetra Tech, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and AECOM. Direct peers are Clean Caribbean & Americas (CCA), Witt O'Brien's, Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) and TRIOX Environmental Emergencies. IRIS Environmental is listed as an emerging player.
Does Polaris Applied Sciences have an API?
No public API is recorded for Polaris Applied Sciences.
What industry is Polaris Applied Sciences in?
Polaris Applied Sciences's product category is Environmental Consulting — Oil Spill Response and Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAIAMAA, Oil Spill Response & Recovery (Marine & Inland Waters), with a secondary code of EUAHALAD, Oil Spill Contingency Planning (OSCP) & Response Readiness. Its NAICS code is 54162 and its SIC code is 1389.