Update 11 Sep 2026, 18:34 UTC:
The World Shipping Council (WSC) is calling for immediate action from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address a significant safety gap in international shipping regulations concerning lithium batteries. This plea comes as global demand for lithium-ion batteries escalates, raising concerns about potential safety risks associated with undetected dangerous cargo.
The Safety Loophole
The issue revolves around Special Provision 188 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which exempts certain smaller lithium batteries from the hazardous goods requirements under specified conditions. While this exemption is meant to facilitate the transport of individual items like laptops, WSC warns that it fails to limit the quantity of qualifying batteries that can be loaded into a single container. Consequently, a container could potentially hold approximately 4,200 laptops, equating to around 416 kWh of energy, comparable to the energy of three to four electric vehicles, without the need for dangerous goods documentation or appropriate placarding.
Joe Kramek, President and CEO of WSC, emphasized the critical nature of this loophole: “Right now, a container can be packed with thousands of lithium batteries and still travel without being declared as dangerous goods.” The council contends that the exemption undermines safety by allowing large concentrations of batteries to go unnoticed, thereby complicating stowage and emergency response procedures for operators and crews.
Rising Risks
With the increasing prevalence of battery shipments, safety concerns have intensified. The International Energy Agency reported that global deployment of lithium-ion batteries in 2025 surged six times higher than in 2020, with expectations for demand to double by 2030. WSC cites Allianz statistics indicating that a container fire onboard a ship occurs on average every 17 days. These fires, often caused by hazardous cargo not being properly declared, threaten lives, ships, and the marine environment.
The WSC has put forth a proposal to the IMO that calls for establishing a container-level threshold for lithium batteries shipped under the exemption. Should this threshold be exceeded, the shipment would necessitate declaration as dangerous goods and adherence to placarding requirements. Kramek commented, “The current rules are not working as intended. As battery shipments continue to grow, we need a better solution that makes these cargoes visible and allows risks to be properly managed.”
Upcoming Discussions at IMO
The proposal will be examined during the meeting of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, scheduled to take place in London from September 14-18. This meeting represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to address the pressing safety concerns posed by increased lithium battery shipments and the regulatory gaps that currently exist.
Why It Matters
The safety implications of shipping large quantities of lithium batteries without appropriate declaration or documentation are profound. For shipping operators, crews, and emergency responders, the lack of visibility regarding dangerous cargoes significantly impairs risk management capabilities, potentially leading to catastrophic incidents. Implementing a declaration threshold would enhance operational safety by ensuring that all parties are adequately informed of the hazards present. Stakeholders must closely monitor the outcomes of the upcoming IMO discussions, as any regulatory changes will directly impact stowage practices, emergency preparedness, and overall safety in maritime operations.
