ClassNK releases guidelines on the safe transportation of electric vehicles

In a bid to bolster the safety of maritime transportation of electric vehicles (EV) at a time of major concern for the shipping industry, ClassNK has unveiled a set of new guidelines and measures.

ClassNK has developed the Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of electric vehicles, which describes the characteristics of EV fires and provides guidance on how to respond, built upon dialogue with experts, operators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Continue reading “ClassNK releases guidelines on the safe transportation of electric vehicles”

Lithium-ion battery fires on vessels remain one of the biggest safety issues

Allianz has highlighted that battery fires on vessels remain one of the biggest safety issues facing the shipping industry. There have been a number of serious fire incidents in recent years where Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been reported as the source of, or contributing to fires on vessels. Allianz experts Capt. Rahul Khanna, Captain Randy Lund and Captain Anastasios Leonburg, share their thoughts on how electric vessels may impact safety onboard.

Decarbonization and electrification are increasing the number of shipping goods that contain Li-ion batteries, from electric vehicles (EVs) Continue reading “Lithium-ion battery fires on vessels remain one of the biggest safety issues”

Safety Advisory Notice: Transportation of electric vehicles containing lithium batteries damaged by extreme weather events

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued this safety advisory notice to inform the public and raise awareness of the risks involved in the transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) powered by installed lithium batteries that may have been damaged due to submersion in waters during extreme weather events. When transported in commerce, EVs containing these damaged batteries may present particularly significant hazards to the public, including property damage, injury, and even death. Our intention with this notice is to prevent those things from happening. Continue reading “Safety Advisory Notice: Transportation of electric vehicles containing lithium batteries damaged by extreme weather events”

De-risking the carriage of lithium-ion batteries

At the heart of efforts to draw attention to the hazards inherent in transporting lithium-ion batteries, specialist freight insurer TT Club now urges debate leading to a balanced, yet realistic awareness of the dangers, and a united approach to enhancing their safe carriage. Improved regulatory clarity is required and auto manufacturers need to address transport safety issues more thoroughly.

Rapid development of battery technology and the uncertainties Continue reading “De-risking the carriage of lithium-ion batteries”

Fires in Lithium-ion batteries can be a challenge to extinguish

A recent Safety Flash from IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) focuses on an incident in which water got into Lithium-ion batteries in equipment for use subsea causing an explosion.

Inspection of the equipment after a successful deployment identified a potential leak from one of the metal tubes. However, other work priorities meant that the technician in charge of the equipment decided to leave it in its storage area and delay the removal and further examination of the battery. Continue reading “Fires in Lithium-ion batteries can be a challenge to extinguish”

MGN 681 (M) Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts

Notice to all shipowners, masters, deck and engineer officers, certifying authorities and surveyors involved with yachts. This MGN notice should be read with the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Parts A and B.

Small electrically powered craft and other vehicles (such as personal watercraft) are becoming more commonly used in place of similar petrol-powered craft or vehicles stowed on yachts. Whilst electric craft do not necessarily represent a greater fire risk than petrol craft, there are considerable differences Continue reading “MGN 681 (M) Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts”

The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further

Cargo fires are a well known challenge amongst shipping industry stakeholders. Fire onboard can result in major casualties, including loss of life. Yet, fire safety remains the most common ship deficiency area.

According to the Allianz Safety Shipping Review 2023, misdiclared cargo as well as new dangerous goods, such as chemicals, lithium-ion batteries and charcoal have become increasingly documented. In addition, colossal container vessels, in which the risk multiplies, are gaining in popularity.

Even though fire is one of the biggest causes of general average claims on container vessels, and one of the main causes of total losses across all vessel types, Continue reading “The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further”

Industry bodies unite to produce guidelines for safe transport of Lithium-ion batteries in containers

The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines seek to prevent the increasing risks that the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea creates, providing suggestions for identifying such risks and thereby helping to ensure a safer supply chain in the future. 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. Continue reading “Industry bodies unite to produce guidelines for safe transport of Lithium-ion batteries in containers”

Early detection key to preventing electric vehicles fires

Photo for illustrative purposes only
Photo for illustrative purposes only

Following several high-profile ship fires involving electric vehicles (EVs), Survitec has produced some valuable advice for operators of vessels transporting hybrid and EVs, such as ferries, ropaxes, RoRos, PCCs and PCTCs, on how best to prevent and control fire onboard ships involving lithium-ion battery powered vehicles.

According to Survitec there are a number of ongoing initiatives within the industry to improve safety in this area. There is a desire to develop early fire detection systems to better monitor and protect car decks and lithium-ion batteries installed in vehicles onboard. Continue reading “Early detection key to preventing electric vehicles fires”

The advice from the US Coast Guard is to avoid loading electric vehicles with saltwater damage on ships

The stricken Felicity Ace photographed before sinking. Photo credit: Portuguese Navy
The stricken Felicity Ace photographed before sinking. Photo credit: Portuguese Navy

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a warning to the shipping industry about the extreme risk of loading electric vehicles (EV) with damaged lithium-ion batteries onto commercial vessels.

Marine Safety Alert 01-23, published by USCG, addresses the issue and provides recommendations to vessels, ports, shippers and regulators. The safety alert comes just a few months after Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Florida. In the aftermath of the intense and destructive storm, first responders encountered numerous EV fires where investigations have subsequently determined were caused by exposure of the lithium-ion batteries to saltwater. Continue reading “The advice from the US Coast Guard is to avoid loading electric vehicles with saltwater damage on ships”

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