The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has released a comprehensive guide on lithium battery shipping, focusing on growing risks associated with maritime transport of electric vehicles and battery-powered goods. Published on November 21, 2024, the guide sets out new regulatory requirements for shipping lithium cells across all transport modes, including compliance with domestic and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) regulations for vessel shipments. Lithium-ion battery fires, often caused by thermal runaway, remain a critical concern, with recent incidents such as mislabeled battery shipments catching fire and heightened risks from saltwater-damaged EVs following natural disasters.
