Lithium-ion batteries are becoming ever more popular as fuel cells in electric vehicles. But what about the shipping industry?
In recent years, smaller vessels have started using lithium-ion batteries alongside traditional fuels but also as the vessel’s sole propulsion technology. Could possibly larger ocean-going vessels follow suit?
Lithium-ion batteries can be considered inert when functioning normally and do not pose the same risk of pollution as fuel oils in traditional combustion engines, however, this can change if the batteries degrade during a voyage.
This report looks at the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries, and how potential build-up of explosive and toxic gases can occur during this process, presenting a risk to vessel and crew.
Find out more on what we could expect in the event of a battery failure and what considerations should be made during a response from the ITOPF report.
Download the report: Lithium Ion Batteries in Shipping