Are battery energy storage systems safe on ships?

Gard published that in the past few months, has received several queries on the safe carriage of battery energy storage systems (BESS) on ships and highlights some of the key risks, regulatory requirements, and recommendations for shipping such cargo.

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the most common type of ESS where batteries are pre-assembled into several modules. BESS come in various sizes depending on their application and their usage is expected to rise considerably in coming years.

Are energy storage systems equipped with lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Our focus in this article is therefore on energy storage systems equipped with lithium-ion batteries. Declaration of BESS Siddharth Mahajan, Senior Loss Prevention Executive, Singapore highlights that BESS with lithium-ion batteries is classed as a dangerous cargo, subject to the provisions of the IMDG Code.

What are energy storage systems (ESS)?

As explained, according to the International Energy Agency, energy storage systems (ESS) will play a key role in the transition to clean energy. Sometimes referred to as “energy storage cabinets” or “megapacks”, ESS consist of groups of devices that are assembled together as one unit and that can store large amounts of energy.

What is un 3536 ( lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit)?

UN 3536 (Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit). Carriers should also be aware of the applicability of the different special provisions (SP) of the IMDG Code. SP 389 (which mentions the securing of batteries to the interior structure of the cargo transport unit) is applicable only to UN 3536.

What is a cargo securing manual (CSM)?

Cargo securing manual (CSM): It should be verified if the CSM incorporates carriage of such cargoes. Amendments may also be required in some cases covering the lashing arrangements and stowage of such units, which must be approved by the Administration.