Lloyd’s Register waded into choppy waters surrounding safer lithium-ion battery transport, on December 14, 2023. We should take heed of what they say, because Lloyd’s classifies and certifies ships. As well as inspecting and approving important accessories and components, and improving fire prevention measures generally.
Measures to Promote Safer Lithium-Ion Battery Transport
While not entirely satisfied, Lloyd’s does concede a number of measures are in place to secure air transport. However, concerns continue to grow regarding the greater delivery chain following, “a further number of recently recorded incidents”.
The international technical and professional services organization takes an interesting angle on the topic as it explains:
- Lithium-ion battery hazards are proportional to the amount of contained substances, including lithium and other reactive material.
- Increased demand has spurred cheaper, poorer quality and untested batteries, including refurbished and homemade power banks.
- These “potentially lethal” products circulate worldwide on the wings of e-commerce, often circumventing global standards and regulations.
This Market Demand Has Outpaced Safety Standards
Lloyd’s continues by explaining how dangerous-goods transport regulations still classify lithium-ion batteries by their weight of active material. Whereas, subsequent technologies have increased these materials’ amount of energy by 50%, while at the same time greatly reducing the weight of battery cells.
This greater energy per weight and volume of lithium-ion batteries increases the amount of heat they can generate, when overheating or on fire. To compound the challenge, the batteries may ship loose, or in equipment including electric vehicles. They may also return as used, damaged, or faulty products.
Therefore, the Lloyd’s risk management director believes, “There is a need for a radical review of the appropriate classification, as the size and energy capacity of these batteries has altered dramatically.
“Additionally, the volumes being carried in container ships and car carriers have mushroomed with the traded success of these energy storage components and devices.” Yet, frustratingly, the conversation still revolves around the hazards, as opposed to the causes, of lithium-ion battery decomposition, he says.
More Information
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Reducing Lithium Battery Fire Risks at Sea
