The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a comprehensive guide to address the increasing risks associated with lithium battery transport. Released on November 21, 2024, the guide focuses on ensuring compliance with both domestic regulations and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code for shipping lithium batteries across all transportation modes, including maritime.

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Fire Risks and Thermal Runaway

Lithium-ion battery fires, often caused by thermal runaway—a chain reaction triggered by damage, overheating, or defects—have raised significant safety concerns. These reactions can lead to explosions or fires if not managed effectively, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols.

Coast Guard’s Proactive Measures

In September 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a multi-agency exercise at Georgia’s Colonel’s Island Terminal, simulating an electric vehicle (EV) fire aboard the Arc Integrity. This drill comes in response to several high-profile vessel fires involving EVs.

Recent Incidents and Lessons Learned

• In 2022, improperly declared lithium-ion batteries listed as “computer parts” caught fire during transport to the Port of Virginia.
• Following Hurricane Ian, the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Alert 01-23 warned about the dangers of saltwater-damaged EVs, as salt exposure can cause hazardous chemical reactions in batteries.

The new guidelines emphasize safety, transparency in cargo declarations, and the adoption of enhanced measures to mitigate risks during lithium battery transportation.