New guidelines published for safe transport of lithium-ion batteries

A group of transport industry bodies have produced guidelines for the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries in containers.

The guidelines are the first in a series of in-depth advisory publications aimed at minimizing the risks of transporting lithium-ion batteries and cells launched amid heightened concern over container fires.

“As the pressure on all forms of economic activity for decarbonization increases, the use of these batteries will inevitably escalate at rates we have previously not experienced. Air transport has been heavily restricted already and it is clear that surface modes will be called upon to transport these goods,” said Peregrine Storrs-Fox, risk management director at freight transport insurer TT Club, which was part of the group producing the guidelines.

“As an adaptable unit, the container will remain a focal point for safe transport, including for EVs, alongside other vehicle carriers. The intermodal nature of containers means more actors other than shipping lines, be they manufacturers, packers, forwarders, logistics operators, warehouses and cargo handlers must all be cognizant of the safety issues we are addressing and play their part in ensuring the risks are properly managed.”

Together with its partners, the Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) has compiled a comprehensive publication covering the properties of these batteries and their potential to explode, initiate fires and emit toxic gases. The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines seek to prevent the increasing risks created by the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea.

The guidelines look at the extensive measures required to safely transport an increasing volume of lithium-ion batteries, in their various states of charge. It also examines classification and regulation, container packing, landside storage, stowage onboard ships, incident detection and fire suppression, and loss prevention and risk mitigation.

“We strongly urge all stakeholders in the production, supply, transport, handling and sale of lithium-ion batteries whether as individual components or integrated into an electronic device, vehicle or other product to recognize their responsibilities in maximizing safety when in transit,” said Dirk Van de Velde, deputy chair of CINS and a board member of the association of cargo handlers, ICHCA.

“Our guidelines will create greater awareness of the possibilities of the damaging and life-threatening incidents, which have already occurred, and instill more urgent motivation to act before more catastrophic disasters result.”

This first Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines (101.A) provides a general overview, and will be followed by three further documents – regulatory compliance check-lists, risk assessment and emergency response, and training and educational awareness.

Stakeholders in the supply chain are encouraged to implement the advice according to their specific operations and requirements but to always keep safety of life as their primary consideration.

“As our experience of transporting lithium-ion batteries widens and the technology surrounding their chemical composition, production and application rapidly evolves, risk controls and loss prevention measures need to keep pace. The work encapsulated in these guidelines will, of necessity, continue and be undertaken in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to increase our knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by carriage of lithium – ion batteries in containers by sea,” said Mark Smith, loss prevention executive NorthStandard, International Group of P&I Clubs.