Safety alert: Saltwater-damaged EVs pose vessel hazard

(WASHINGTON) — Recently, Hurricane Ian caused significant damage and flooding throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. During the response and reconstitution after the hurricane, first responders encountered numerous vehicle fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) that are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Subsequent investigations have revealed that the vehicle fires resulted from exposure of the lithium-ion batteries to salt water. Many vehicles had been susceptible to flooding.

Saltwater exposure can significantly degrade lithium-ion batteries, causing a chemical reaction that creates an extreme fire risk. Review of vehicle registration records revealed there are over 7,000 EVs in Lee County, Fla., with potential for damage.

Vessels, ports and shippers should be aware of this extreme risk and avoid loading EVs with damaged lithium-ion batteries onto commercial vessels. Safety Alert 01-22 highlights a recent example of the danger that damaged batteries pose. The U.S. Fire Administration further details the hazard in its “Responding to Electric Vehicle Fires Caused by Salt Water Flooding” article.

The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessels, ports, shippers and regulators:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the vehicle shipping requirements found in both the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. All lithium batteries are hazardous materials regulated by the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As such, they are required to comply with the Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers.
• Conduct review of additional requirements for shipping damaged lithium-ion batteries located in the PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice for the Disposal and Recycling of Lithium Batteries in Commercial Transportation. Due to the large size of EV batteries, the packaging requirements to comply with damaged shipment regulations are inadequate. As such, IMDG special provision 376 specifically requires approval from the competent authority (PHMSA or U.S. Coast Guard) prior to shipment of damaged lithium batteries.
• Remain vigilant and ensure damaged lithium-ion vehicle batteries are not loaded onto vessels for shipment, placed within port facilities, or enclosed in containers.

This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement. Developed by the 7th Coast Guard District and the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, commandant (CG-ENG) and distributed by the Office of Investigations and Analysis, commandant (CG-INV). Questions may be sent to HQS-SMB-CGINV@uscg.mil.

– U.S. Coast Guard

By Rich Miller