WSC Urges IMO to Close Lithium Battery Transport Loophole

The World Shipping Council (WSC), the leading voice of liner shipping, has called for a revision in how goods containing lithium batteries are declared to container lines. This move comes as part of a broader effort by various governments and industry bodies to address growing safety concerns around the transport of these powerful energy sources.

Background on Lithium Battery Transport

The WSC has submitted a paper for consideration at the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) upcoming sub-committee meeting in London, focusing specifically on revising Special Provision 188 (SP188) of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. According to The Loadstar, this provision currently allows containers packed with thousands of lithium batteries to be transported as ordinary cargo without carriers being notified of the risks involved.

Special Provision 188 exempts smaller batteries that meet certain testing, packaging, and capacity requirements from some dangerous goods rules. However, there is no limit on how many such exempt batteries can be consolidated within one container. As a result, containers packed with thousands of lithium batteries may travel without proper documentation or placarding, according to Splash 247. For example, a container carrying around 4,200 laptops could contain approximately 416 kWh of stored energy, equivalent to three or four electric vehicles.

Current Concerns and Statistics

The WSC points out that this loophole presents significant safety risks. Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, stated in Splash 247, "Right now, a container can be packed with thousands of lithium batteries and still travel without being declared as dangerous goods." This is problematic because it means carriers, crews, ports, and emergency responders may not have the necessary information to properly manage risks, assess danger, or prepare appropriate emergency responses.

Additionally, statistics from insurer Allianz highlight that a container ship fire occurs every 17 days, with lithium batteries often cited as one of the most serious emerging risks in the industry. In Hellenic Shipping News, it is reported that global lithium-ion battery deployment increased sixfold between 2020 and 2025, with demand expected to double by 2030. This rapid growth has intensified concerns over fire safety on container ships.

Government and Industry Support

The WSC's proposal is backed by five governments and a broad coalition of industry organisations. Together, they argue that the current rules are not working as intended and need to be revised to address these risks effectively. The paper submitted to the IMO will be discussed during its forthcoming sub-committee meeting in London from 14 to 18 September.

Supporting this initiative, Germany, the Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand are among the governments that have come forward with the WSC proposal. They collectively advocate for a potential maximum container-level threshold, above which battery shipments would be required to be declared and possibly placarded. This measure aims to ensure that operators are fully aware of the hazards involved and can take appropriate steps to mitigate risks.

What this means for Operators

For ship operators, this proposed revision will significantly impact their risk management strategies and compliance procedures. They must be prepared to adapt their documentation practices, stowage plans, and emergency response protocols to account for the increased risk of lithium battery fires on board. Proper declaration and placarding of containers carrying large numbers of these batteries are critical steps towards enhancing safety standards across the maritime industry.

The WSC's push for reform underscores the urgent need for clearer guidelines and greater transparency in the transport of lithium batteries, ensuring that all stakeholders—from carriers to ports and emergency responders—are fully informed about potential hazards. As battery technology continues to advance and demand grows, these changes are essential to maintaining a safe and efficient global maritime trade system.