A study conducted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), assessed hazards associated with transporting energy storage systems (ESS), including lithium-ion batteries (LIB), in enclosed cargo spaces aboard marine vessels.
The project, commissioned by Transport Canada, found that most vessels lack sufficient explosion protection systems and firefighting capabilities to manage incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, crews often lack the necessary training to respond to such fires effectively.
Victoria Hutchison, senior research project manager at FPRF, stated: “The findings from this research project highlight that most vessels haven’t been designed for the safe transport of ESS and lithium-ion batteries (LIB).
In addition, vessel crews have not universally received the training needed to safely and effectively respond to fires involving them.”
The study revealed that some vessel operators are already implementing stricter practices than those required under existing regulations to mitigate the risks associated with transporting lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage systems.
These proactive measures reflect growing awareness of the hazards posed by such cargo.
The research also highlighted that current detection and suppression tools are often inadequate for addressing fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, early detection mechanisms remain underdeveloped, leaving crews with limited means to respond promptly.
The FPRF report outlined five key steps to enhance safety during the marine transport of ESS:
“These are just some of the areas that will need to be examined for safer marine transport of ESS,” Hutchison explained.
“Now that this information is available, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders have an opportunity to collaboratively make strides in addressing and minimizing these risks.”
Transport Canada, the agency responsible for developing policies and regulations for Canadian transportation systems, plans to use the study’s findings to work with other regulatory bodies.
These efforts aim to address the identified gaps and implement enhanced safety measures for the marine transport of hazardous goods.
The Fire Protection Research Foundation released findings from a Transport Canada-commissioned study examining the hazards of transporting lithium-ion batteries in enclosed cargo spaces on marine vessels.
The report highlighted inadequate firefighting capabilities, insufficient crew training, and detection limitations as key risks.
Some vessel operators have begun applying stricter practices than required by regulations.
Recommendations included deck storage, improved detection tools, and clearer standards for battery housing.
Transport Canada will use these findings to collaborate with regulatory bodies on improving safety standards.
