The World Shipping Council (WSC) is urging governments to rectify a loophole in international regulations regarding the transport of dangerous goods, particularly concerning containers filled with lithium batteries. This appeal comes amid a surge in battery transportation and the increasing threat of cargo fires at sea. The International Energy Agency reports that global lithium-ion battery use is expected to reach six times the 2020 levels by 2025, with demand projected to double by 2030. Alarmingly, Allianz statistics reveal that container ship fires occur approximately every 17 days.
Under Special Provision 188 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, smaller batteries are exempt from certain regulations if they meet specific criteria. However, there is no cap on the quantity of these exempt batteries that can be packed into a single container. For instance, a container loaded with around 4,200 laptops could house an energy equivalent to three or four electric vehicles, without any requirement for hazardous goods labeling or documentation.
Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the WSC, emphasized the risks of transporting large quantities of lithium batteries without proper declaration. The existing exemption, intended for single devices with small batteries, has unintended consequences that could compromise safety. Without knowledge of hazardous materials, carriers cannot effectively manage risks or prepare for emergencies, leading to serious dangers, including container fires. WSC has garnered support from multiple governments and industry groups in proposing regulations that would require the declaration of battery shipments exceeding certain thresholds. The issue will be addressed at the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers meeting in London, scheduled for September 2026.
