CINS Launches Guidelines for the Sea Transport of Lithium Battery Containers

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) has published new operational guidelines for the sea transport of lithium-ion batteries covered under Special Provision 188 (SP188) of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The document, released in November 2026, seeks to improve risk management during the transport of this cargo in containers and draws on the experience of carriers that have dealt with fires linked to these batteries, together with input from terminal operators and emergency response specialists.

Special Provision SP188 allows certain lithium-ion cells and batteries to be exempted from several IMDG Code requirements, including the standard dangerous goods declaration, provided they meet testing, packaging and marking conditions. The limits set are 20 watt-hours per cell and 100 watt-hours per battery. However, the Code does not establish an aggregate limit on the number of batteries or total energy per container, meaning a shipment can accumulate significant energy without this being apparent on conventional dangerous goods manifests.

The guidelines recommend that carriers obtain information on the type, quantity and characteristics of the batteries at the time of booking, and that this data remain available throughout port operations, stowage and transport. CINS proposes using identification codes such as LIB and LIO and transmitting them through operational systems such as BAPLIE, so that the information is not lost during transshipment, carrier changes or handovers between terminals.

For cargo identified as higher risk, the guide suggests assessing heat exposure and the positioning of containers at the terminal or on board, and considering, where operationally feasible, on-deck stowage to facilitate monitoring and access for firefighting teams. It also recommends avoiding excessive concentration of this cargo in a single area. On emergency response, CINS notes that lithium battery incidents can involve thermal propagation, the release of toxic gases and reignition, and advises having equipment on hand for prolonged cooling, thermal imaging cameras, crew training and support from shore-based specialists. These recommendations do not alter IMDG Code obligations or establish new mandatory segregation distances.

In parallel, the International Maritime Organization continues to review proposals to improve the identification of this cargo. Following its review in September 2026 during the twelfth session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12), the proposals were referred for further technical development, expected in 2027.