Ports

Container Lines Push for Mandatory Dangerous Goods Classification of Lithium-Ion Battery Cargo

Container carriers are moving toward requiring all lithium-ion battery shipments be classified as dangerous goods following recurring vessel fire incidents. A blaze aboard the 8,000-teu CMA CGM Petra erupted in late August shortly after departing Singapore, forcing the vessel to anchor off Malaysia's Penang coast. The fire was extinguished with no injuries reported, though the cause remains under investigation. Industry safety experts point to Special Provision 188 of the IMO Dangerous Goods Code, which permits certain lithium cells and batteries to move under reduced requirements if packaging and testing standards are met. The provision creates reduced visibility in shipping documentation. This allows lithium-ion components embedded in electronics, tools, vehicles and appliances to bypass standard declaration processes. The Cargo Incidents Notification System, representing 14 major container carriers, has published a position paper calling for urgent SP188 reform to strengthen oversight protocols.