by Bolaji Raheem*
Given the booming electric vehicle (EV) market, expected to reach nearly $355 billion by 2028 with an anticipated 125 million EVs on the road by 2030, there is a critical challenge facing the shipping industry: the transportation of large-format lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. Despite the enthusiasm for EVs, the intricate and highly regulated transport of new, end-of-life, and damaged batteries through the supply chain poses significant complexities.
EV batteries, ranging from 40kg to over 400kg, present handling challenges due to their unique designs and weight distribution points. Notably, these batteries pose a fire risk, categorized as hazardous materials and subject to stringent shipping regulations. The intricate world of lithium battery transport regulations involves varying rules based on factors such as weight, dimension, power capacity, and location, with compliance required across different transport modes.
In recent maritime incidents, fires abroad car-carrying vessels have raised concerns about the safety of transporting vehicles, with Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries being implicated in the incidents. In February 2022, a car-carrying vessel, Felicity Ace, ignited in flames, while transporting over 4,00 vehicles worth over $401m (£295m). Similarly, In July 2023, Fremantle highway caught a fire off the Dutch coast while transporting over 3,000 vehicles from Germany to Egypt and sadly one crew member also died.
In light of these challenges, strategic recommendations emerge as imperative responses to facilitate the coexistence of electric vehicles and maritime safety.
• Forced Ventilation Systems: Ships should be equipped with a means of forced ventilation that can be activated remotely, as recommended by the UK Chamber of Shipping. Adequate ventilation can help manage and mitigate the impact of thermal runaway incidents.
• Innovative Solutions like the Fire Isolator: The Fire Isolator is a revolutionary solution tailored to tackle EV fires. Its primary focus is on isolating and battling EV car fires, where the presence of highly hazardous lithium-ion batteries demands specialized attention. As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues its remarkable growth, the challenges associated with transporting large-format lithium-ion batteries demand urgent attention in the automotive and maritime sectors. The incidents of fires on car-carrying vessels underscore the critical need for implementation of strategic measures.
*Bolaji Raheem is an aspiring solicitor, with experience and knowledge within Commercial, M&A and Maritime law, and particular interest in the world of Shipping
valadi_raheem@hotmail.com
