Ocean Freight Carriers Tighten Battery Cargo Protocols
Ocean freight carriers are continuing to tighten regulations for transporting battery cargo by sea due to a significant rise in fire incidents aboard vessels in the past 2-3 years.
The change in direction largely impacts shipments containing lithium or lithium-ion batteries, and is aimed at improving safety for both ships and crew.
As concerns rise over battery-powered products, carriers are adapting to manage these risks. New protocols demand stricter documentation and closer inspections for items with built-in batteries, like mobile devices, laptops, power tools, as well as standalone batteries.
Key changes for shippers include the requirement for more comprehensive documentation before booking cargo. Essential documents now include:
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): A report detailing the battery’s properties and safe handling.
- UN38.3 Test Report: A certificate verifying the battery meets safety tests for maritime transport.
- Certificate of Safe Transport by Sea: An official certification from authorized institutions confirming the battery complies with international sea safety standards.
Some carriers have additional specific requirements, such as limiting the acceptance of certifications to particular laboratories.
The introduction of stricter protocols has extended booking times, with carriers now taking up to 5 days to confirm these bookings, and shippers are now facing greater responsibility for ensuring proper documentation, packaging, and adherence to safety regulations.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, or need assistance with dangerous goods compliance, then please do not hesitate to contact the team at Atlantic Pacific.
