Lithium-ion Batteries

A recent Safety Flash from IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) focuses on an incident in which water got into Lithium-ion batteries in equipment for use subsea causing an explosion.

Inspection of the equipment after a successful deployment identified a potential leak from one of the metal tubes. However, other work priorities meant that the technician in charge of the equipment decided to leave it in its storage area and delay the removal and further examination of the battery. Continue reading “Fires in Lithium-ion batteries can be a challenge to extinguish”

The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines seek to prevent the increasing risks that the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea creates, providing suggestions for identifying such risks and thereby helping to ensure a safer supply chain in the future. Together with its partners, the Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) has compiled a comprehensive publication covering the properties of these batteries and their potential to explode, initiate fires and emit toxic gases and create a safe transport of Lithium-ion batteries in containers. Continue reading “Industry bodies unite to produce guidelines for safe transport of Lithium-ion batteries in containers”

Following several high-profile ship fires involving electric vehicles (EVs), Survitec has produced some valuable advice for operators of vessels transporting hybrid and EVs, such as ferries, ropaxes, RoRos, PCCs and PCTCs, on how best to prevent and control fire onboard ships involving lithium-ion battery powered vehicles.

According to Survitec there are a number of ongoing initiatives within the industry to improve safety in this area. There is a desire to develop early fire detection systems to better monitor and protect car decks and lithium-ion batteries installed in vehicles onboard. Continue reading “Early detection key to preventing electric vehicles fires”