WSC calls on governments to close battery cargo safety gap

The World Shipping Council (WSC) is urging governments to tackle a loophole in international dangerous goods regulations that permits large shipments of lithium batteries to be transported without the hazard being declared. This issue has gained prominence as the usage of battery power expands rapidly, resulting in frequent cargo fires at sea.

According to the International Energy Agency, lithium-ion battery deployment in 2025 was six times higher than in 2020, with experts predicting a doubling by 2030. Allianz insurance data reveals that a container ship fire occurs once every 17 days. Special Provision 188 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code exempts smaller batteries from specific requirements when they meet certain testing, packaging, and capacity criteria.

However, there is no upper limit on the number of exempt batteries that can be packed together in one container. Consequently, a container loaded with around 4,200 laptops could potentially hold up to 416 kWh of energy, roughly equivalent to the energy stored in three or four electric cars, without necessitating dangerous goods documentation or container placarding.

Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the WSC, commented, "Right now, a container can be packed with thousands of lithium batteries and still travel without being declared as dangerous goods. The SP188 exemption was designed to simplify the transport of individual devices with small batteries, not to render entire container loads undetectable."

The issue arises when carriers, crews, ports, and emergency responders are unaware of the presence of this hazard. Without this information, carriers cannot adequately evaluate the risk, determine suitable stowage arrangements, segregate the container from other cargo, or plan an informed emergency response. Joe Kramek emphasized, "We know the consequences when hazards remain hidden.

Batteries shipped under the exemption have led to severe container fires, endangering people, ports, ships, and the marine environment." The WSC has received support from five governments and a diverse group of industry organizations in submitting a proposal for review by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The proposal suggests implementing a maximum container-level threshold, above which battery shipments would be required to be declared and possibly placarded.

Joe Kramek stated, "The existing rules are not functioning as intended. As battery shipments continue to grow, we require a more effective solution that makes these cargoes visible and enables the risks to be properly managed." The matter will be reviewed by the IMO's Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers during its meeting in London from September 14 to 18, 2026.