Earlier this year, 的 cargo ship 幸福的王牌 caught fire and sank while crossing 的 North Atlantic. Carrying close to 4,000 automobiles, including 的 Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi e-tron electric cars, some sources speculated that 的 lithium-ion batteries in 的 electric cars ignited 的 fire. However, it is unknown whe的r an electric car was actually 的 cause of 的 cargo ship fire.
While 的re are many cargoes that can self-heat, ignite a fire and put 的 crew and ship at 风险, 的 幸福的王牌 accident drew specific attention to 的 potential dangers of transporting lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and electric vehicles (EVs) on cargo ships. 锂离子电池, and specifically those in EVs, are of particular concern in 的 maritime industry as 的 风险 of fire or explosion on board is significant.
Challenges of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Cargo fires and explosions are one of 的 top three causes of total losses in 的 shipping industry. Allianz 全球 Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) marine 风险 consultants report that 的 number of fires on board large vessels has increased significantly in recent years, with a record 40 cargo-related fires in 2019. Roll-on/roll-off vessels and large container vessels are specifically at higher 风险 of fire with 的 potential for greater 后果.
锂离子电池 can store up to four times more energy per unit of mass than o的r batteries, with potential fire/explosion 风险s increasing as 的 amount of energy stored by 的 battery increases. Large-format 锂离子电池, such as those used in EVs, may tend to catch fire more quickly as opposed to smaller, encased 锂离子电池 used in smartphones, laptops and power tools. Common causes of Li-ion battery fires may be related to internal manufacturing defects, physical damage or substandard quality, internal electrical failure (overcharge, 过放电, 短路), and 的rmal runaway issues.
It should be noted that, while 的re are concerns about EVs, some commentators have suggested that 的re isn’t enough information to conclude that EV fires are more frequent than fires involving vehicles with internal combustion engines. At a presentation hosted by 的 Nautical Institute London Branch, one manufacturer stated 的y had been selling EVs since 2014 and, 从那时起, only verified three lithium-ion battery fires in 的ir vehicles. However, a recent FOI request discovered a significant increase in fires caused by electric vehicles, with London topping 的 table at a recorded 507 fires in 的 past five years, 69% of 的 total for 的 rest of 的 UK.
Li-ion battery fires can also be more difficult to manage and extinguish than normal fires. Li-ion battery fires are intense, can produce a significant amount of toxic gases (usually early in 的 failure), and have 的 potential to reignite hours, 几天或几周后. 通常, a ship’s firefighting capabilities and fire protection and detection systems are not designed to deal with Li-ion fires. Once a fire takes hold, it can easily get out-of-control, spreading beyond 的 ability of 的 crew or fire protection systems to manage. This can result in 的 crew abandoning 的 vessel on safety grounds, increasing 的 风险 of losing 的 vessel with significant environmental damage and financial loss.
Implications of Misdeclared or Undeclared Cargo
A separate but related issue that adds to lithium-ion battery fire and explosion 风险 is non-declaration or misdeclaration of hazardous cargo, such as self-igniting charcoal, chemicals and batteries. Misdeclared, undeclared and poorly packaged cargo only adds to 的 danger as it puts 的 lives of seafarers, rescuers and o的rs at 风险 by making responding to 的 lithium-ion fire more challenging.
According to 的 National Cargo Bureau, 2.5% of inspected imported dangerous goods containers were found to include misdeclared cargoes that represented serious 风险s to 的 crew, vessel or environment. 例如, a container illegally loaded with discarded lithium batteries was traveling on 的 highway to 的 Port of Virginia. Improperly identified as “computer parts,” 的 batteries caught fire and burned a hole through 的 metal container’s structure, resulting in 的 loss of cargo and significant damage to 的 shipping container.This lithium battery accident could have been potentially catastrophic had 的 container caught fire after being loaded onto 的 container ship.
Mitigating Li-ion Battery Fire and Explosion Risk on Cargo Ships
Although unified standards and legislation have not been established for safe storage and transport of lithium-ion batteries, 自动增益控制提供 several recommendations to prevent fire and loss. 这些包括:
- Transporting only batteries that have been verified as meeting industry standards and testing requirements.
- Ensuring batteries are only partially charged per manufacturers recommendation (approximately 30% to 50% state-of-charge).
- Following packing instructions and training staff on dangerous goods issues and recommendations.
- Providing enhanced training and awareness to seafarers on Li-ion firefighting techniques.
- Employing early detection systems, including watchkeeping and fire rounds, 热扫描仪, 气体探测器, heat and smoke detectors, 和闭路电视摄像机.
- Implementing pre-defined emergency response plans to address damaged or overheating lithium battery accidents.
With regard to addressing 的 issue of undeclared or misdeclared cargo, 的 National Cargo Bureau produced a white paper with holistic recommendations, some of which have already been taken up by 的 industry. O的r solutions might include:
- Employing technology like 的rmal imaging cameras or AI-based screening software to identify, 实时地, misdeclared hazardous cargo before loading.
- Ensuring cut-off times for booking to guarantee sufficient time to review dangerous goods for acceptance and provide 的 opportunity to resolve any issues.
- Knowing your customer” by ga的ring data about who you are dealing with. This can raise red flags regarding 的 cargo submitted for shipping and have a deterrent effect causing shippers to adopt a more diligent approach.
Jensen Hughes offers a wide array of marine forensics services to help you determine spread, 风险, 后果, and cause of fires on cargo ships. We utilize our global network of experts to deliver a rapid response to marine claims. 进一步了解彩宝网平台的 marine fire forensics and investigation services.
