Comprehensive Guide to Safe Shipping of Lithium Battery Energy Storage Cabinets

Introduction

However, due to their classification as Class 9 dangerous goods, lithium-ion batteries pose significant risks of thermal runaway and complex emergency response challenges, earning them the reputation as a "high-risk element" in maritime transport. Shippers, carriers, and all industry practitioners must prioritize safety at every stage—from documentation compliance to stowage operations—to establish a robust, end-to-end safety framework.

PART 01 What is an Energy Storage Container?

An energy storage container serves as the foundational unit for electricity storage, capable of holding up to 5,500 kWh daily—equivalent to the electricity consumption of over 500 households in a single day. Simply put, it functions like a giant power bank, supplying reliable energy to households, businesses, and industries.

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PART 02 Core Advantages

Our energy storage containers deliver four core strengths: advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) provide multi-layer safety protection for stable operation across all scenarios; high-efficiency energy conversion technology enables rapid electrical-to-chemical energy interaction, maximizing overall efficiency; modular design supports scalable capacity adjustments to match diverse application needs; and AI-driven monitoring with optimized charge-discharge strategies creates a closed-loop intelligent management system from real-time status awareness to automated execution.

While lithium batteries underpin these advantages with high energy density, longevity, and lightweight design, their chemical properties introduce risks:

-Thermal runaway from overcharging or high temperatures can trigger rapid heat release; 

-International maritime regulations classify fully assembled units as "Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances" (UN3536), requiring strict dangerous goods compliance throughout logistics chains.

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PART 03 Incident Highlights

（1）On June 3, 2025, the cargo ship Morning Midas caught fire in the Pacific Ocean while en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. Carrying 3,159 vehicles—including 65 electric and 681 hybrid models—the blaze erupted 300 miles south of Alaska’s Adak Island. While investigations continue, lithium-battery risks are suspected given the prevalence of new-energy vehicles onboard.

（2）On June 9, 2025, the 4,252 TEU container ship Wan Hai 503 experienced a catastrophic explosion and fire 130 nautical miles northwest of Kerala, India. Initial reports indicate hazardous materials were stored on deck.

（3）On August 9, 2024, Ningbo Port’s Beilun Terminal witnessed an explosion at Berth 2, linked to tert-butyl peroxybenzoate and lithium batteries as primary combustible agents.

（4）In July 2024, a Yantian Port container fire in Shenzhen destroyed lithium-battery cargo across 8㎡, attributed to thermal runaway with no casualties reported.

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PART 04 Operational Essentials