The German Insurance Association (GDV) is warning of an increasing fire risk in maritime transport because more and more electric cars, energy storage systems, and other lithium batteries are being transported worldwide on cargo ships and in containers. According to insurers, the triggers are often cells already damaged during production or handling, which can later ignite spontaneously, while the dense packing on board facilitates rapid fire spread. A key escalation factor is considered to be “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction within the battery that can massively intensify fires and make extinguishing them more difficult. Several large car carriers have already burned down, resulting in significant insured losses and long-term disruptions to transport chains.
Fire Risk from Lithium Batteries – GDV Sees Dangerous Goods Regulations at Their Limits
The German Insurance Association (GDV) considers lithium batteries a major problem in freight transport, and not only because of electric cars. “Lithium batteries are found in smartphones, toys, electric cars, and storage devices, and have become the number one cause of fires on container ships in global freight transport,” the association explains in a recent statement. This puts every shipment containing these cells in the spotlight, while the number of such transports is growing rapidly.
The core issue is the unique fire dynamics, which is why insurers are demanding stricter regulations. “The greatest risk is the so-called thermal runaway – a chain reaction within the battery that can explosively intensify fires. If a battery enters such a state, the fire is extremely difficult to extinguish and can reignite days later. This particular hazard dynamic is not adequately addressed in current dangerous goods regulations,” says Jörg Asmussen, CEO of the German Insurance Association (GDV). Thermal runaway scenarios also arise in electric vehicle fires, while they are considered a critical point even in the development of new battery technologies.
Guidelines for ships – distance, monitoring, and lower charge levels
Based on the analysis of several fire incidents, the GDV derives specific recommendations, with cargo stowage being a key focus. Containers “containing lithium batteries or battery-powered vehicles” should not be placed close together to prevent a fire from spreading immediately. The association also advises against storing such units near engine rooms and against placing them on the uppermost decks.
Temperature control is also crucial, as early warning signals can be decisive. The temperature of the cargo should be monitored whenever possible so that shipping companies can detect unusual developments more quickly. Furthermore, batteries should only be shipped with a limited charge, as insurers believe this can reduce the risk of fire.
Land-based consequences – logistics centers, car dealerships, and a potential debate about underground parking garages
The demands extend beyond sea freight, as large quantities of batteries also accumulate in transshipment and storage areas. “Large quantities of batteries or electric cars are often collected for extended periods in transshipment centers, distribution centers, or open areas,” says the German Insurance Association (GDV), which is calling for clearly separated storage zones. This includes structural separation and sufficient distance between containers and vehicles, which makes chain reactions less likely.
The association is also demanding a separate hazardous materials classification for lithium-ion batteries to ensure clearer regulations and more precise controls. This could increase costs, but without additional precautions, there is also the risk of increased burdens, such as rising insurance premiums. Underground parking garages are also coming under scrutiny, as fire experts recommend separate parking bays and special fire suppression systems, while policymakers have so far hesitated due to the costs, and some industry representatives dismiss such debates as “scaremongering.”