Lithium batteries, which are powering everything from vape cigarettes to cyber trucks, present major challenges for shippers and transport operators.Cargo ships and safety systems for internal cargo spaces have not been designed for the unique hazards posed by energy storage systems, and therefore, energy storage systems should be stowed in open spaces, such as on deck, warns the Government of Canada Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate in a recently published study.Lithium products are classified as Hazmat Class 9, which includes items prone to overheating and flammability. Strict packaging guidelines exist for shipping lithium metal and powder, which fall under Class 4.3, dangerous when wet.The element is usually packaged in hermetically sealed containers backfilled with argon gas or mineral oil.The British Fire Protection Association explains that if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, this can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as “thermal runaway”, that can result in a fire or explosion.Not all lithium batteries are lithium-ion, and there are at least seven different chemistries.The risks are similar. What makes lithium-ion battery fires so dangerous is that they generate their own oxygen, making them very difficult to extinguish.Large amounts of water are needed to douse the f lames by lowering the temperature.Current ship design cannot handle the amount of water needed for fighting an energy storage system fire in an enclosed cargo space, according to the Canadian study.Further challenges include the inability to detect an energy storage system malfunction early, the limitations to the fire extinguishing equipment on vessels, and lack of training of crews on how to deal with energy storage system fires.There are two classes of lithium battery shipping requirements.Items that are compliant with Special Provision 188 of the ADR/IMDG Regulations can be transported as “excepted” lithium batteries.To qualify, the individual cells need to be specially packed and protected from damage or short circuit. The packaging needs to withstand a 1.2-metre drop test. Shipments containing lithium batteries not compliant with Special Provision 188 must be declared and shipped as “full” dangerous goods.The shipper is responsible for declaring/documenting, packaging, labelling and marking per the applicable regulations.ER
