Lithium batteries, and their constituent materials are manufactured in relatively small quantities in North America. Various interim strategies are in place, which inevitably involve overseas imports. Therefore, it was with some concern that we read of a lithium-ion battery cargo burning off Alaska. The Genius Star XI ro-ro vessel is still in quarantine off Dutch Harbor as we write this post.
How Could a Lithium-Ion Battery Cargo Catch Fire?
A lithium-ion fire occurs when the chemicals in the battery overheat. This may be due to a rogue chemical reaction inside, to damage, or to an external heat source. There are two acknowledged ways to bring these battery fires under control:
- SMALL FIRES: Apply dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, water, or foam.
- LARGE FIRES: Continuously spray quantities of water, or fire-fighting foam.
At the time of writing, we still don’t know how the lithium-ion battery cargo fire began. A local media, Alaska’s News Source, merely reported as follows on January 1. 2024.
- The incident began on Christmas Day, when a fire broke out in hold No. 1.
- The crew released carbon dioxide into the hold, and sealed it as a precaution.
Thankfully, the crew survived unharmed, and they appear to have known how to respond. The Genius Star XI was transporting a load of lithium-ion batteries from Vietnam to San Diego, according to U.S. Coast Guard.
Ro-Ro Ship Still in Quarantine off Alaska Port
The Genius Star XI crew only reported the lithium-ion battery cargo fire three days after they released the carbon dioxide into the hold, and sealed it. Alaska’s News Source advises this may have been a precaution, as they were nearing Alaska.
The ship is standing by off Dutch Harbor, some 500 miles southwest off Anchorage. The city’s primary concern is protecting inhabitants from noxious fumes. A team of marine experts has reported no signs of structural damage.
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