IMO’s CCC 12: The Safety Gap Concerning SP188
The 12th session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) took place last week, progressing work on alternative fuels, onboard carbon capture, cargo safety, dangerous goods and cargo securing. IMO CCC 12 has drawn attention to the safety gap concerning SP188, which provides exemptions for certain small lithium and sodium batteries. ...
The 12th session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) concluded last week, focusing on various aspects of cargo safety, including alternative fuels, onboard carbon capture, dangerous goods, and cargo securing. A significant concern that emerged during the session is the safety gap concerning SP188, which provides exemptions for certain small lithium and sodium batteries.
Tom Bebbington, Industry Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Lead at Tigris, highlighted the issues surrounding SP188, noting that the rapid growth of battery technology has exposed shortcomings in the global shipping process, particularly in relation to Special Provision 188, a critical regulation governing the movement of lithium cells and batteries through the supply chain.
Bebbington emphasized the need for technology to be designed with human error and self-interest in mind, stressing that data alone is insufficient without the necessary incentives for people to act promptly. He also pointed out that while identifying the issue is crucial, the subsequent actions, such as diverting vessels, restowing hundreds of containers, and incurring additional fuel costs, pose significant challenges.
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