NTSB Highlights Lithium-Ion Battery Risks After Bridge Fire on Vessel

The National Transportation Safety Board of the United States (NTSB) has published report MIR-23-23 relating to a Lithium-ion battery fire aboard a tanker. This incident highlights some of the risks and hazards associated with modern battery technologies and is highlighted to members as a matter of importance requiring further attention and discussion, reports IMCA.

What happened

A fire started on the bridge of an oil tanker whilst alongside. Fire teams from the vessel extinguished the fire in less than half an hour after it had begun. There were no injuries, but the damage caused to the vessel was estimated at US$3 million. There was extensive smoke and heat damage, and the vessel’s navigation systems, communication systems, and alarm systems were destroyed.

What went right

The emergency response of the vessel crew, including the Master who discovered the fire, was prompt and correct, including shutting the doors on a discovered fire, stopping all cargo operations, raising the alarm, isolating electrical power from the area on fire, and fighting the fire.

What went wrong

As the vessel was alongside, there was no bridge watch; no one was stationed on the bridge at the time the fire started. The first indication crewmembers had of a possible fire aboard was the loss of the CCTV feed to the monitor in the Master’s office. Had the fire occurred while the vessel was underway, there would have been personnel on the bridge, and the fire would have been immediately detected.

The vessel’s bridge did not have a smoke or fire detection system (nor was it required to), which also allowed the fire to grow undetected.

Lessons learned

• Due to the potential for rapid expansion of a Lithium-ion battery fire, detection, containment, and extinguishment are essential to prevent damage to a vessel;
• Crews can help prevent thermal runaways and ensuing fires by doing the following:
  • follow manufacturers’ instructions for the care and maintenance of Lithium-ion batteries;
  • properly dispose of damaged batteries;
  • avoid unsupervised charging of Lithium-ion batteries;
  • keep batteries and chargers away from heat sources and flammable materials.
• Ensure that Lithium-ion batteries, the devices using them, and particularly Lithium-ion battery chargers, are sourced only from reputable and recognized suppliers.

Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?

It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe

Source: IMCA

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•