Are lithium-ion batteries safe on yachts – and other vessels?

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Mike's concerns stem from the troubling correlation between lithium-ion batteries and fire incidents aboard marine vessels. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 70 fires were reported last year involving large and superyachts alone. As new information continues to surface regularly, I feel compelled to revisit this topic repeatedly to disseminate the knowledge we acquire. This subject is both extensive and critical, engaging some of the most brilliant technical minds in the marine industry today. Our collective awareness is essential, as this issue shows no sign of resolution in the immediate future. Although I fully acknowledge the significance of decarbonization and the adoption of this technology, we must also recognize that such progress comes with risks that we must be ready to address.

I had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion organized by Shoosmiths, a maritime law firm located near Southampton, focused on the question, "Are lithium-ion batteries safe on yachts?" The event saw a remarkable turnout, featuring approximately 120 attendees, including marine surveyors, yacht management companies, regulators, underwriters, boat brokers, and manufacturers. The atmosphere in the room was characterized by genuine engagement mixed with anxiety. Many participants seemed to have a limited understanding of the significant risks posed by lithium-ion battery fires, leaving them eager for guidance. Unfortunately, clear guidance was limited. When a marina manager was queried about their protocol for mitigating potential lithium-ion battery fire risks in their facility, they responded that it was still too early for definitive policies, indicating the nascent stage of such considerations in the industry.

There appeared to be a consensus that lithium-ion batteries, when correctly installed in newly-built vessels and encapsulated in sealed metal enclosures, do not present a greater danger than traditional fossil-fueled ships. Insurers, too, reported no issues in insuring electric vessels powered by lithium-ion technology. However, the situation was less certain for retrofitted batteries in older ships. Perhaps surprisingly, the panel's discussion heavily emphasized less often considered factors, particularly the risks associated with charging devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and recreational toys powered by lithium-ion batteries overnight. Unattended charging during the night can pose acute dangers, as overcharging may lead to thermal runaway, culminating in serious fire incidents. This concern holds true for onboard settings just as much as for residential environments. Sadly, there have already been instances of such occurrences. It is crucial for everyone to recognize these risks and to share this information widely; educating others about refraining from charging devices overnight is imperative.

One panelist passionately emphasized the importance of using the appropriate charger for each device rather than opting for cheaper alternatives from unverified sources, which exacerbate the risks presented by lithium-ion technology. The prevailing advice is to utilize the designated charging equipment consistently and to adhere to the provided instructions diligently.

Despite understanding that current firefighting systems remain inadequate for extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires, the audience recognized the pressing need for improved emergency measures. Discarding a burning battery overboard may alleviate some concerns, but it does not extinguish the fire effectively. Innovations in early warning systems for detecting impending thermal runaway situations are underway and expected to be available soon. However, it's crucial to understand the dangerous presence of potentially toxic gases that can linger at low levels and ignite, posing serious risks.

Insurance industry representatives acknowledged that they are still trying to wrap their heads around the complexities surrounding this issue. They hinted that new clauses would likely be incorporated into insurance policies to earmark coverage for the use of lithium-ion powered devices onboard vessels.

The discussion further explored the rising danger associated with superyacht toys and accessories, many of which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, citing a series of fire incidents over the past year. Such examples included jet skis, tenders, electric scooters, and eBikes, illustrating the potential hazards associated with these recreational devices.

While regulatory bodies are currently wrestling with this challenge, trying to determine appropriate regulations for commercial vessels, the situation regarding the millions of unregulated pleasure boats worldwide remains uncertain. Finding an effective way to disseminate this critical information within this sector poses a significant hurdle. For now, the most pressing need is to educate boat owners and operators about the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, showing them the importance of using common sense and risk assessment practices to mitigate potential issues.

An employee from a prominent boat manufacturing company raised a valid point regarding how to communicate advice to their customers while being mindful not to induce alarm. Offering a definitive answer to this question proved elusive.

As previously mentioned, new developments concerning lithium-ion batteries continue to emerge. Let me share some key findings on two relevant aspects.

Early detection key to preventing electric vehicle fires

In response to several widely publicized ship fires involving electric vehicles (EVs), Survitec has compiled essential advice for operators of vessels transporting hybrid and EVs, including ferries, ropaxes, RoRos, PCCs, and PCTCs, aimed at preventing and managing fires linked to lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles.

Survitec highlights multiple ongoing initiatives striving to enhance safety in this sector. There is an eagerness to develop early fire detection systems capable of effectively monitoring and safeguarding vehicle decks and the lithium-ion batteries housed within the vehicles onboard.

Even minor deviations in battery properties can serve as early indicators of fire risk, providing crucial time for preemptive actions to prevent or isolate hybrid and EVs. Signs that may precede a battery fire include heat and smoke emanating from the areas where batteries are typically situated, popping sounds from the cells, and the emission of toxic gases.

While some early detection solutions have been established, Rafal Kolodziejski, Survitec's Head of Product Support & Development Fire Systems, has pointed out that these systems have yet to be adapted for recognizing pre-fire conditions unique to lithium-ion batteries.

In my straightforward manner, I must ask: why not?

The advice from the US Coast Guard is to avoid loading electric vehicles with saltwater damage on ships

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a pivotal warning to the shipping industry concerning the extreme dangers associated with loading electric vehicles (EVs) that possess damaged lithium-ion batteries onto commercial vessels.

Marine Safety Alert 01-23 tackles this issue and provides valuable recommendations to vessels, ports, shippers, and regulators. This alert follows the catastrophic events after Hurricane Ian struck South Florida, where first responders encountered numerous EV fires. Investigations revealed that saltwater exposure had sparked these fires due to damage to lithium-ion batteries.

Exposure to saltwater can inflict severe harm on lithium-ion batteries, instigating chemical reactions that significantly heighten fire risks. Disturbingly, Bill records indicate over 7,000 EVs in Lee County, Florida, are potentially in jeopardy of saltwater damage.

It appears that the marine industry is still struggling to keep up with the mounting challenges surrounding lithium-ion battery technology—an ongoing learning curve while adapting regulations based on emerging data.

If you seek more information, feel free to explore low voltage lithium battery for marine applications.

Ultimately, will we need to witness a catastrophic event resulting in multiple fatalities before regulatory bodies feel compelled to establish comprehensive measures? Let us hope we can avoid such a grim fate!