Lithium-Ion battery fires MGN 681 Yacht Insurance

Throwing a Burning Lithium-Ion Battery Overboard Should Be Your Last Resort

Lithium-ion batteries are a staple of modern life, powering everything from phones to electric surfboards. On a yacht, their compact size and high energy density make them an ideal choice for portable devices and even onboard systems. However, they also pose a unique and serious fire risk, especially in a marine environment.

When a lithium-ion battery ignites, the first instinct for many might be throwing it overboard to protect the vessel. While this might seem like a straightforward solution, it is fraught with dangers—both immediate and long-term.   It is a safety protocol that is anything but safe, especially for the crew members involved.  The serious danger to life and limb of any crew member approaching a Lithium-Ion battery fire can not be understated, but is seriously misunderstood in the industry today.

Understanding why and how to handle such fires safely can certainly save lives, prevent environmental harm, and minimize damage to your yacht.

Why Throwing a Battery Overboard Is Problematic

When faced with a smoking or burning lithium-ion battery, the temptation to throw it into the water might be strong. However, this option is riddled with serious downsides:

1. Environmental Harm

A burning or damaged battery releases toxic chemicals, including heavy metals like lithium and cobalt, as well as harmful gases.  These are serious Hazmat pollutants that poison marine ecosystems, harming fish, corals, and other aquatic life.

2. Fire and Explosion Risks

Throwing a burning battery overboard can create serious hazards for the crew members involved. The toxic vapours can ignite upon contact with the air, creating an explosion or intense flames, even after the battery is in the water.  The individual cells can explode out of the battery at up to 300m/s, which as fast as a bullet, and it is on fire.

3. Legal and Ethical Concerns

Deliberately polluting the ocean is against maritime regulations in many jurisdictions. While emergencies may justify such an action, it should always be seen as a last resort, with the serious consequences in mind, as all such instances need to be reported to the local authorities.  This last resort protocol should never be the standard solution on yachts today.

So, What is the Safer Alternative to Throwing the Battery Overboard?

  • Using a Certified and Tested Fireproof Storage Solution

Specialized fireproof storage boxes can contain battery fires, extinguishing the fire safely while inside the box without spreading to other parts of the yacht. These boxes should include built-in extinguishing systems and vapour management systems, making them invaluable for marine use.

The RAMBSS and RACLAN systems have been developed over years by FISACON GMBH, to ensure your safety from the fire, explosion and vapours generated by a thermal runaway.

Their patented technology automatically monitors your Lithium batteries during charging and storage.  They can contain and extinguish any thermal runaway up to their stated kWh capacities.

The RAMBSS and RACLAN systems are the only products on the market available with a recognised certification from DMT/TUV NORD and a Design Appraisal Document from Lloyds Register.

The Final Word

Throwing a burning lithium-ion battery overboard might protect your yacht and crew in a critical moment, but it should only be considered as an absolute last resort, rather than a planned safety procedure. The environmental damage, potential harm to others, and legal ramifications make it a choice fraught with consequences for all crews.

The true wisdom lies in prevention and preparation. By handling lithium-ion batteries responsibly, installing proper safety measures in advance, and understanding the risks, you can avoid ever having to face such a dilemma.

Contact us today to discuss your battery inventory and how LiVault can ensure your safety.