To combat the rising risks of lithium-ion battery fires, the yachting industry is introducing new protocols, classifications, and best practices. These advancements aim to enhance safety and guide yacht owners and crews in safeguarding their vessels and are being driven partly by yacht insurance.
Lloyd’s Joint Hull Committee (JHC) Protocols:
In April 2024, Lloyd’s of London, a key player in yacht underwriting, introduced safety guidelines through the Joint Hull Committee Circular. These protocols address the safe usage, storage, and charging of lithium-ion batteries aboard yachts. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward standardized safety measures designed to reduce fire risks and prevent catastrophic incidents.
Why It Matters:
These guidelines not only set the stage for improved safety but also hint at the future of the industry. As the adoption of lithium-ion batteries grows, these standards are likely to become mandatory, influencing everything from insurance policies to classification society requirements.
For yacht crew and owners, staying informed about and compliant with these protocols is essential. Incorporating these best practices into daily operations helps protect both assets and lives while aligning with evolving insurance and regulatory demands.
How LiVault Can Help:
Our RAMBSS modules now have a a detailed Design Appraisal Document from Lloyds Register that you can request today. This document states that RAMBSS is a: “A verified container as part of an arrangement compliant to MGN 681 (M)”. RAMBSS is the only product on the market that can claim to be a container as referenced in the new JHC clause.
Ordering a RAMBSS system for your yacht today can go a long way to ensuring your safety onboard.
Please find the full text of the 2024 Lloyd’s Joint Hull Committee Lithium Battery Clause below:
Lithium Battery Clause (JH2024-011A)
For use with Electronically Driven Equipment containing lithium batteries rated above 100Wh
Definitions used in this clause:
- “Container” means a cabinet, bag or box, in each case fireproof and constructed according to a recognised
international standard including but not limited to EN 14470, EN 16121 and EN 16122.
- “Electronically Driven Equipment” means Tenders and Toys (as defined) containing one or more batteries
rated above 100Wh;
- “Lithium Battery” means a lithium battery rated above 100Wh used to power Electronically Driven
Equipment;
- “OEM” means the original equipment manufacturer of the Electronically Driven Equipment or a company
approved and/or licensed by the original equipment manufacturer;
- “Tenders” means any watercraft onboard, attached to or towed by the vessel and/or used to transfer any person to or from the vessel;
- “Toys” means any personal watercraft (including but not limited to jet skis, diver propulsion units, foils, paddleboards, or other water sports equipment), aerial vehicles (drones), bikes, skateboards, segways,unicycles and any other form of transport.
It is a condition precedent to Underwriters’ liability in respect of any claim for loss, damage, liability, or expense caused by fire and/or explosion that each of the following shall have been complied with:
1. any Lithium Battery (whether attached to or detached from Electronically Driven Equipment) shall only be charged in a Container, or within a space meeting the requirements of Section 14.1 of the REG Yacht Code or on open deck where the risk of fire and accumulation of toxic gas is minimised;
2. the charging of any Lithium Battery shall only be performed using charging equipment supplied or approved by the OEM;
3. the location where any Lithium Battery is charged shall be free of any sources of ignition or flammable materials;
4. all OEM guidelines and recommendations in relation to the use, storage and maintenance of any Lithium Battery shall be complied with;
5. any repairs, modifications, alterations to any Lithium Battery or its charging equipment shall only be performed by the OEM;
6. an inventory of all Electronically Driven Equipment shall be kept on board;
7. a full risk assessment shall have been carried out in line with MGN 681 (M) or international equivalent.
Any resultant mitigation measures shall be implemented on board and documented in the vessel’s safety management system or safe operating procedures; and
8. the vessel shall have an operational lithium fire suppression / containment system and/or lithium firefighting equipment on board and all crew shall be trained in its operation.
In the event of any failure to comply with these conditions precedent, Underwriters shall not be liable for any claim for loss, damage, liability, or expense caused by fire and/or explosion, unless the Assured can demonstrate that non-compliance neither caused the fire and/or explosion nor increased the loss, damage, liability, or expense resulting therefrom.
JH2024-011A
4th April 2024
