An endeavour to make transport of lithium-ion batteries safer
Five shipping and cargo organisations, Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP), Container Owners Association (COA), International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) and Ship Message Design Group (SMDG), have reportedly agreed to join hands to make transport of lithium-ion batteries safer. They say they will take advantage of unified information and data sources to bring greater awareness and understanding of issues with the goal of producing preventative output.
The intended aim is to create a framework for cooperation that enables each group to benefit from each other’s activities in respect of their strategies in areas of joint interest.
Recently, serious and sometimes catastrophic incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have become more commonplace, with fires reported in all modes of transport as well as in warehouses and other such areas.
In search of practical changes that will alleviate dangers including lithium batteries, the agreement calls for coordinated efforts both on regional and international issues of common concern and engagement with relevant regulatory bodies including the International Maritime Organization and other appropriate United Nations agencies.
Other stated aims include working together to initiate worldwide surveys and studies that can assist with the furtherance of these organisations on behalf of their members and associates. There will also be sharing of research findings and publications to strengthen information exchange while avoiding duplication of effort by pooling resources, said a report.
Source: Exim News Service: London, March 28