Maritime New Zealand published an advisory about swapping lead-acid for lithium-ion batteries. Their report, that we link to below, highlights the importance of managing health and safety on vessels not originally designed for lithium-ion chemistry.
The author of the document remarks how maritime rules are silent, when it comes to substituting lithium-ion batteries for lead-acid. However, they continue, there is still an obligation on commercial and marine operators to eliminate health and safety risks, ‘as far is reasonably practical’.
The Dangers When Transitioning to Lithium-Ion
The Maritime New Zealand government report highlights the following dangers of replacing lead-acid with lithium-ion batteries:
- Damage to onboard wiring and circuitry from higher current output.
- Lithium-ion batteries are prone to damage from puncturing and crushing.
- Lithium-ion batteries may overheat while recharging them.
- Overheating lithium-ion batteries can cause explosions and fires.
- Critical systems can malfunction if new batteries are incorrectly installed.
- Failing lithium-ion batteries could block passenger emergency exits.
Swapping lead-acid for lithium-ion batteries is therefore something that requires careful planning.
Procedure for Swapping Marine Batteries
Maritime New Zealand is a government agency. Its report emphasizes how marine engineers should not undertake this conversion lightly. What follows should therefore also apply to ship and boat owners as well:
- Ensure that the lithium-ion batteries comply with applicable marine standards.
- Only install the lithium-ion batteries where temperatures are within safety limits.
- Ensure that these locations have good and sufficient ventilation at all times.
- Do not locate the lithium-ion batteries anywhere near passenger exit routes.
- Ensure battery storage areas can contain a fire long enough to evacuate the vessel.
- Install systems in these areas that inform the ship operator about battery status.
- Provide a space for passengers to safely charge the devices and batteries they bring on board.
Swapping lead-acid for lithium-ion batteries on ships and boats is therefore definitely not something to undertake lightly, especially as they can cause devastating fires.
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