Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power many electrical devices, from children’s toys and cell phones, to laptops and vehicles and are shipped worldwide. They are one of the most compact energy batteries available on the market, deliver a large amount of current, have relatively low maintenance, and have a low self-discharge rate. However, they tend to overheat, explode and catch fire. We examine the risks of carrying Li-ion batteries and provide three key steps for cargo owners to help manage these risks.
Li-ion batteries have the ability to ignite and explode because they contain a flammable liquid electrolyte. This risk is exacerbated when batteries are damaged, due to improper storage, improper use, or while charging. In addition, counterfeit batteries – which are widely circulating – between terminals may be missing protective seals or be too weak to operate efficiently. Regardless of manufacturing quality, if a Li-ion battery charges short circuits for any reason, the terminals heat up and the electrolyte liquid begins to boil. If the electrolyte vapor cannot escape from the battery, a thermal run occurs, causing the battery to rise, eventually leading to an explosion and fire.
Li-ion battery fire is extremely hot and difficult to extinguish. Because it is self-sustaining, it will continue to burn even without an external source of oxygen to feed it. Attempts to extinguish Li-ion battery fires with water may exacerbate conditions, as lithium reacts vigorously with water and produces toxic gases. In addition, Li-ion battery fires may appear to be completely extinguished when they are not, sometimes emerging days later.
Due to the specialized equipment and knowledge required to safely maintain and extinguish such fires, many vessels may not be properly prepared.
Figure 1: Thermal run feedback loop.
The number of products powered by Li-ion batteries being launched worldwide has highlighted the risks posed by these batteries not only to the vessels being transported, but to the crews on board too. In addition, cargo owners of goods containing Li-ion batteries are at risk, which may be liable for injuries or loss to other parties due to a Li-ion battery fire.
Today’s car transport vessels can carry more than 6,500 CEUs, and those designed to carry more than 9,000 CEUs are expected to arrive by the end of next year. It only takes one electric vehicle to catch fire and start a blaze that could swallow the entire ship. There have been many examples where Li-ion batteries are thought to have ignited and ignited on board pure carrier (PCC) vessels. Container ships are exposed to similar risks when transporting goods including Li-ion batteries. Although shippers are required to break down any dangerous goods, these reports may be inaccurate, either intentionally or due to a lack of knowledge about the dangers of Li-ion batteries.
Three actions to reduce the fire risk of Li-on battery
Given the potential fire hazard of launching electrically powered vehicles or quantities of Li-ion batteries, it is vital that cargo owners obtain the appropriate insurance coverage and take action to mitigate their risks. management, including:
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