Britannia Club highlights that lithium-Ion batteries have gained significant attention in recent years due to their pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainability. For this reason, Britannia issued guidance on the considerations Members should take as part of their due diligence when accepting such cargo.
As informed, the energy storage unit typically comprises a box or container of varying sizes, within which the Lithium-ion batteries designed for energy storage are subsequently installed.
The shipper should provide the shipowner with detailed transport guidelines which should contain all the procedures required for the safe carriage of the entire shipment, including handling/lifting plan, lashing and securing requirements (including the gear, lashing points etc.) and emergency protocols. In addition, Members should undertake a structured risk assessment to assess the carriage considerations, cargo care, stowage, lashing requirements and any limitations, based on the information provided by the shipper and any statutory requirements as highlighted above.
According to Britannia Club, it is advisable to appoint a competent surveyor or supercargo during the loading operations to assist the master and to ensure the stowage, loading, and securing procedures are executed properly. The following loading and securing advice should be considered, though the list should not be seen as exhaustive:
- The cargo should be secured in accordance with the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual (CSM), taking into account the applicable recommendations of the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (the CSS Code) – Annex 13.
- The CSM must detail all lashing and securing arrangements and devices provided on board the ship including their correct application and recommended methods for securing of cargo which the ship is approved for.
- If the ship’s CSM does not specifically cover the carriage of the intended project cargo, Members should consult the Classification Society in order to obtain approval and the CSM should be amended accordingly. This may also require an alteration of the physical lashing arrangement and/or for additional lashing equipment to be provided.
- The stowage plan should duly consider the availability of securing points. The securing lugs / pad-eyes should be aligned with the lashings so they are not subject to forces acting out of the nominal direction.
- The securing points fitted to the ship must be strong enough to withstand the dynamic loads. Where welding is required to install additional securing points, it should be performed by qualified welders and the welds should be inspected and tested as appropriate. The relevant safety procedures for hot work must also be followed.
