It is increasingly evident that we need to take care when handling quantities of lithium-ion batteries. We have reported fires in container trucks after traffic accidents, and incidents in recycling yards. We don’t recall discussing lithium-ion cargo fires on general cargo ships at sea. In hindsight, we guess it was just a matter of time …
A Cargo Fire Breaks Out on Genius Star XI
Genius Star XI is a Korean general cargo ship, 410 feet / 125 meters long and 69 feet / 21 meters across at its widest point. The National Transportation Safety Board advises that a fire broke out on the vessel on February 24, 2024.
The Board released its findings on December 18, 2025, following an in-depth investigation into the incident. We understand that Genius XI was passing through heavy weather conditions at the time.
The cargo included a large number of lithium-ion battery energy storage units, stowed in several cargo holds. These units should have been tightly secured with lashing belts with ratchets, and strap clamps.
The investigators’ report states that some of these lashing belts were not properly secured. Forty-one battery energy storage units broke loose, and shifted in the storm This caused ‘internal deformation’ leading to a series of two lithium-ion cargo fires.
Further Findings and Recommendations
Three of the battery energy storage units that broke loose, overheated uncontrollably, leading to thermal runaway that could have reached 300°/ C 572°F. The crew triggered the carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system when the first fire broke out, and diverted the vessel to the nearest port,
The second of the two lithium-ion cargo fires started in a second hold, while the ship was still heading for the port. The crew cooled the area from outside with fire hoses. The fire was extinguished by the time the ship docked.
This incident serves as a further warning to treat lithium-ion batteries in transit with respect. The cargo should be chemically stable. However, shippers should remember that physical trauma or abuse can change things suddenly.
More Information
Explosions And Fires on Ships Every Week
Triple-Layer Fireproof Battery from DGIST
