A leading international transport insurer, TT Club, has warned that improper shipment of lithium batteries may put vessels at risk of explosion. The firm said fire fueled by lithium-ion batteries poses a danger to vessel and crew, adding that such fire is difficult to extinguish and may create an explosion risk.
The firm called for increased vigilance in shipments of lithium batteries, which are classified as “dangerous goods” to help curb a troubling increase in cargo fires.
The UK-based firm gave the warning following the rise in the number of fires on boxships and roros, which have been linked to the carriage of these batteries. According to the firm, the increasing demand for electronic devices has led to the rise in the number of lithium batteries being shipped.
The firm warned that the recent air transport industry revised regulatory restrictions on the carriage of lithium batteries, which took effect on April 1, may result in greater volumes being transported by sea, thereby creating more risk for maritime commerce.
The TT Club Risk Management Director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox, also believes there is a small minority of shippers who appear to be intent on avoiding compliance with the rules for the cargo to the detriment of other shippers.
Storrs-Fox said lithium batteries have to be certified before shipment, which involves a series of rigorous tests performed by an approved independent laboratory, mainly to ensure they can withstand everyday use and transport.
He said the responsibility for testing falls on the shipper and the manufacturer, noting that due to a sharp rise in demand, substandard and untested batteries have become commonplace. He said e-commerce platforms are enabling a global trade of these potentially lethal products, often by circumventing global standards and regulations.
According to him, care must be taken when dealing with reverse logistics of the lithium batteries – damaged or faulty units that are being returned or are headed for recycling as they present the most supply chain risk.
“Once lithium batteries are placed into the intermodal supply chain, there is little opportunity for the cargo to be checked, visually or otherwise to verify compliance. Due diligence into the origin of manufacturers and integrity of the shipper instigating the move of these potentially lethal power sources is critical,” Storrs-Fox concluded.
Recall that IATA had called for safe transportation of devices with lithium batteries, noting the importance of shippers in taking the necessary precautions and strictly following the regulations when preparing their lithium battery shipments to ensure the safety of all on board as well as avoid any possible damage or fines.
