A recent report, “Fires at Sea, A New Landscape – Risk Mitigation Strategies for Safe Transport”, highlights the growing risk of fires on cargo ships, particularly those caused by lithium batteries and other temperature-sensitive goods. The report emphasizes the need for updated safety protocols, as existing guidelines are often insufficient to address these unique hazards.
The Dangers of Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries pose a significant fire risk due to their potential for thermal runaway, a rapid, self-sustaining fire that can lead to explosions. This can be triggered by mechanical damage, thermal stress, or overcharging. The resulting fires are uniquely dangerous because of their rapid and intense nature, and they release toxic, flammable, and explosive gases that pose serious health risks to the crew.
The rise in demand for consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy storage is expected to increase the lithium battery market by over 30% annually until 2030, making the need for better risk management urgent. The transport of used or waste batteries presents additional challenges, as they have distinct risk factors and require specialized handling.
Temperature-Sensitive Cargo and Mitigation Strategies
Beyond lithium batteries, other seemingly low-risk cargo, such as cocoa butter, can also become a fire hazard if not properly stored. The report identifies specific temperature thresholds, such as 35°C and 60°C, as critical for various types of cargo. The Felicity Ace incident in March 2022, which involved a car carrier with electric vehicles, serves as a recent example of the catastrophic consequences of such fires.
To mitigate these risks, the shipping industry is implementing proactive measures and advanced technologies:
- Proper Stowage: Adhering to guidelines like the IMDG Code, which mandates stowing cargo at least 2.4 meters away from heated ship structures.
- Monitoring Technologies: The use of thermal imaging cameras (TICs), temperature data loggers, and infrared scanning systems to monitor container temperatures in real time and automatically initiate cooling if necessary.
Despite these efforts, the report notes that there is no universal protocol for temperature management. It stresses the importance of standardized information exchange between cargo owners, carriers, and vessel operators to ensure safe transport.
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Source: Safety4sea
