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Focus on logistics newsletter-The cargo ship burned for several days because of lithium batteries

Accident! The cargo ship of a shipping company in Taiwan burned for several days because of lithium batteries

In recent years, lithium battery has been widely used in various fields as an efficient, lightweight and high energy density power supply, and the export of lithium battery in China has also maintained an accelerated growth momentum. However, due to the certain safety risks of lithium battery, fire accidents of front battery goods often occur in the world.


Recently, a cargo ship named Genius Star Xl, owned by Taiwan Huiyang Shipping, burned for several days because of lithium batteries. The incident occurred on December 25,2023. When the fire broke out, Genius Star XI was on its way to transport a batch of lithium-ion batteries from Vietnam to San Diego.


The U.S. Coast Guard reported late on Dec. 30 that the Genius StarX fire had been extinguished after several days of burning, and instructed the ship to throw the wrong ship near Holland Port, Alaska. Nineteen crew members on the Genius Star XI were unharmed, and rescue and marine fire brigade technicians remained on board to ensure the fire did not return. The cause of the fire on the ship is currently under investigation.


There is a certain amount of heat generated during the charging and discharging of lithium batteries, especially in the high temperature and high humidity environment, which increases the risk of ship fire. During shipping, ships often experience different meteorological and climatic conditions, which may lead to overheating of lithium batteries and lead to fire.


Secondly, a large number of lithium batteries are usually stored on ships, including the main battery for power system and the backup battery for ship equipment. Once one of the batteries fails or is damaged, it may cause a chain reaction and lead to the spread of fire. Moreover, due to the characteristics of lithium batteries, once a fire breaks out, the toxic gases and chemicals released may pose a serious threat to the crew and the environment.


In addition, due to the relatively limited rescue resources at sea, once a ship fires, it is difficult to rescue, which may lead to more serious consequences. Therefore, both lithium batteries transported as goods and lithium batteries in transportation equipment need special attention and strict prevention! 



事故!台湾一家航运公司的货船因锂电池起火燃烧数日


       近年来,锂电池作为一种高效、轻量、高能密度的电源逐渐广泛应用于各个领域,我国锂电池出口也在保持加速增长的势头。然而,由于锂电池具有一定的安全风险,全球范围内锋电池类货物起火事故时有发生。


       近日,台湾慧洋海运旗下一船船名为“Genius Star Xl”的货船因锂电池起火燃烧了数日。事件发生于2023年12月25日,火灾发生时,Genius Star XI轮正在将一批锂离子电池从越南运送到圣地亚哥的航行途中。


       美国海岸警卫队于12月30日晚间通报称,在燃烧数天之后,Genius StarX轮火势已被扑灭,并指示该船在阿拉斯加荷兰港附近抛错。Genius Star XI轮船上的19名船员没有受伤,救助和海上消防队的技术人员仍留在船上,以确保火灾不会卷土重来。目前正在对该船火灾起因进行调查。


       锂电池在充放电过程中存在着一定的热量产生,尤其是在高温、高湿度的环境中,这增加了船舶火灾的风险。海运过程中,船舶往往经历不同的气象和气候条件,这可能导致锂电池过热,从而引发火灾。


       其次,船舶上通常储存有大量的锂电池,包括用于动力系统的主电池和船舶设备的备用电池。一旦其中某个电池发生故障或受损,可能引发连锁反应,导致火灾蔓延。而且,由于锂电池本身的特性,一旦发生火灾,释放的有毒气体和化学物质可能对船员和环境造成严重威胁。


       此外,由于海上救援资源相对有限,一旦船舶发生火灾,救援难度较大,可能导致更严重的后果。所以无论是作为货物被运输的锂电池,还是运输设备中的锂电池,都需要格外注意和严密防范!