A new whitepaper from insurers TT Club and UK P&I Club – produced in collaboration with consultancy Brookes Bell – investigates the danger inherent in the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea.
According to the report, the increased demand for “green power” in consumer products would result in the increased production and transport of such batteries. But these batteries can experience catastrophic failure while in transit, and the risk is something the transport industry cannot overlook.
TT Club and UK P&I Club’s whitepaper outlines the numerous challenges faced by the transport industry related to lithium-ion batteries and raises awareness of the risks involved. Topics covered in the paper include the science behind lithium-ion batteries, the dangers associated with transporting them, and why they happen. The paper also has a review of current dangerous goods regulatory provisions, and proposed changes for the current firefighting provision.
The insurers are hoping to correct the widely held perception in the maritime community that the risks in the supply chain of such products are relatively small.
“Recently, serious and sometimes catastrophic incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have become more commonplace, with fires reported in all modes of transport – ocean, air and land -- as well as in warehouses and where such consignments are at rest,” commented TT Club risk management director Peregrine Storrs-Fox
“The consequences of battery failure and the resultant thermal runaway must be clearly understood and the correct procedures for handling them adhered to throughout their lifespan,” added UK P&I Club Stuart Edmonston. “The dangers can exist no matter the status of the battery; charged, semi-charged, used, second-hand or scrap, and whether present in devices and vehicles or packaged separately.”
“While increased industry awareness is crucial and technology to monitor and restrict fires is advancing, the increased capacities of batteries and the expected rise in trade volumes means regulations are potentially not fit for purpose, having been slow to catch up,” said Brookes Bell managing scientist Dr. Karwei So.
