How to Prevent the Risk of Lithium Battery Fires During Sea Transportation

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Industry Encyclopedia

Freight Knowledge Base

Time of issue：

2026-04-17 15:51

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The root cause of lithium-battery fires during maritime transport is “thermal runaway”—a chain reaction that is extremely difficult to extinguish once it is triggered. To effectively prevent such incidents, it is essential to start with Compliant declaration, standardized loading, and strict management Adopt a three-pronged approach to establish a comprehensive, end-to-end prevention and control system.

🔥 Core Risk: Why Are Lithium-Battery Fires So Dangerous?

Lithium-battery fires are fundamentally different from ordinary fires; their core risk stems from "Thermal Runaway" This is a chain reaction of internal self-heating within the battery; once initiated, it can lead to the following fatal consequences:

Difficult to extinguish : The fire will spread rapidly and reignite repeatedly, rendering conventional carbon dioxide or foam extinguishing agents only marginally effective.

Intense combustion : Generates extremely high temperatures and releases toxic, flammable, and even explosive gases.

Case Study Major maritime disasters, such as the June 2025 incident involving the “Midas Dawn” and the 2022 incident involving the “Felicity Alice,” were both ultimately caused by lithium-battery fires that led to the sinking of the vessels, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.

🛡️ Three-Stage Defense: Preventive Measures from Source to Sea

To systematically mitigate risks, it is necessary to establish a security defense system that covers the entire lifecycle of goods.

First Tier: Source Compliance—Preventing “Sick” Vessels from Setting Sail

1. Strictly comply with the latest regulations and file accurate declarations.
In accordance with Amendment 42-24 to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, which will be fully mandatory effective 2026, all lithium battery–related cargo must strictly comply with the new declaration requirements.

Cargo Type	Correct Declaration (UN Number) Under the New Regulations	Old Rules (Common Mistakes)
Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles (such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles)	UN 3556	UN 3171 (expired)
Lithium-metal-battery-powered vehicles	UN 3557	UN 3171 (expired)
Independent lithium battery/battery pack	UN 3480, UN 3481, etc.	(No change, but stricter packaging and documentation requirements)
Lithium batteries installed in cargo components	UN 3536	Must be limited to cabin area loading.

Important Reminder : Continued use of outdated UN numbers, or underreporting and failure to declare, will result in cargo detention at the port, return shipment, substantial fines, and even legal liability.

2. Control product and packaging quality

Certification Requirements All batteries and devices must comply with international certifications such as UN 38.3 (transportation testing), and priority should be given to procuring products that are certified to safety standards such as UL and CE.

Packaging Specifications : Compliant UN-certified packaging must be used, and measures to prevent short circuits and damage must be implemented. For example, UN 3536 (lithium batteries in freight components) requires packaging that effectively prevents fire and smoke.

Second Ring: Standardized Loading—Scientific Arrangement to Isolate Risks

1. Key Point 1: Controlling the Charge State
This is one of the most effective preventive measures. All lithium batteries in transit, It is recommended to keep the battery level between 30% and 50%. . Lower battery states of charge can significantly reduce the risk and severity of thermal runaway. Charging any equipment or vehicle on board is strictly prohibited.

2. Key Point 2: Strict Implementation of Stowage and Segregation

Cabin deck only : Under the new regulations, high-risk goods such as UN 3536 (lithium batteries in cargo packages) must be stowed only in the hold and maintained at a minimum safety distance of 2.4 meters from heat sources and ignition sources.

Strengthen securing Electric vehicles on board must be securely fastened like other cargo to prevent battery pack damage from collisions caused by vessel motion during transit.

3. Store small equipment properly
It’s not just large batteries—small devices like smartphones, power banks, and laptops can also be dangerous. They should be stored in A cool, dry, and well-ventilated fire-resistant container Keep it away from flammable materials and metal objects, and avoid stacking or charging it unattended.

Third Ring: Emergency Preparedness — Strengthen Capabilities, Be Prepared for the Unexpected

1. Upgrade onboard fire-fighting equipment
Traditional fire suppression systems are ineffective against lithium-battery fires. It is recommended to equip:

Class D fire extinguisher : Specifically for fires involving combustible metals.

Fire blanket : Can be used to isolate and contain initial fires.

Sufficient cooling water supply One of the most effective methods for mitigating thermal runaway is continuous, large-scale water cooling; however, the vessel must assess its stability and drainage capacity.

2. Strengthening Professional Training for Crew Members
The crew is the last line of defense in crisis management. Training must cover:

Identify early warning signs of lithium-battery fires, such as unusual odors, smoke, and battery swelling.

Master the specialized procedures for handling lithium-battery fires, with particular emphasis on how to address the risk of reignition.

Utilize thermal imaging cameras and other equipment for fire monitoring.

Support for the new standard China’s transportation industry standard, “Safety Technical Requirements for the Carriage of Lithium Batteries on Ships” (effective May 1, 2025), provides detailed technical guidance for the entire cargo handling process, including consignment, loading and unloading, carriage, and emergency response.

💡 Special Reminder: Three Overlooked Details

Beware of Small Devices : Don’t focus solely on electric vehicles. Accidents caused by crew members’ personal e-cigarettes, power banks, and radio batteries are all too common—and have even resulted in losses amounting to millions of dollars.

Inspect used/scrapped batteries : Transporting used electric vehicles or waste materials containing electronic waste poses extremely high risks, as these batteries may be damaged, aged, or untested, presenting a significant safety hazard.

Complete Recording and Handling : In accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, all damaged or expired lithium batteries must be recorded in the Garbage Record Book and handed over to a qualified recycling operator for disposal.

Currently, global regulations on the maritime transport of lithium batteries are tightening, and violations can result in extremely severe consequences. Are you planning to export? New energy vehicles For this type of large-scale product, it is still Power banks, electronic products Looking for small-scale equipment? Please specify the exact product categories, and I’ll help you identify the key compliance and packing requirements tailored to your needs.

Keywords:

Lithium battery,Fire on a Seagoing Vessel

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