As an efficient energy storage device, lithium - ion batteries have been widely used in multiple industries. However, as a special type of dangerous goods, the water transportation of lithium - ion batteries faces strict supervision at Shanghai Port, an important hub of international trade. So, what regulations and requirements do we need to follow to smoothly carry out the water transportation of lithium - battery - type dangerous goods at Shanghai Port?
I. Requirements for Testing Institutions
1、Qualification Certification
Testing institutions engaged in the classification and identification of lithium - battery - related goods, the identification of transportation conditions, and UN38.3 testing must have relevant national legal qualifications and obtain one of the following certifications:
China Compulsory Accreditation for Testing Institutions and Laboratories (CMA)
Accreditation of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS)
Accreditation of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation - Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC - MRA)
2、Testing Process and Responsibilities
Testing institutions shall conduct tests in accordance with international conventions and national mandatory regulations, including testing methods, data transmission and storage.
The test report shall include product models, testing methods, judgment criteria, test dates, conclusions, etc., and mark the qualification certification marks.
Testing institutions and their personnel are responsible for the test report and shall bear corresponding legal responsibilities.
II. Transportation Requirements
1、Requirements for Ships and Container Ships
Vessels carrying lithium - battery - related dangerous goods must hold a valid Certificate of Fitness for Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea.
Container ships shall abide by laws, regulations on navigation, berthing and operations, and implement the safety guarantee measures of the maritime administrative agency.
Loading and unloading operations must be carried out at wharves with the qualification for loading and unloading Class 9 dangerous goods.
2、Battery State of Charge and Protective Measures
During the transportation of energy storage systems and lithium - battery - powered vehicles, the state of charge of the battery is recommended to be controlled between 20% and 50%.
Measures shall be taken to prevent damage and short - circuits of the battery or battery pack during transportation.
External connections of the battery must be disconnected to ensure that electrical equipment is in a closed state.
3、Ship Carriage Requirements
When stowed on deck, measures such as sun shading shall be taken to avoid direct sunlight.
The cargo hold shall be equipped with equipment suitable for extinguishing lithium - battery fires.
Container - type energy storage systems are recommended to be stowed on deck, not exceeding the maximum load - bearing capacity.
4、Special Transportation Methods
Roll - on/roll - off transportation of lithium - battery - powered vehicles shall be carried out in accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual.
For general cargo ship transportation, a transportation risk assessment shall be carried out, and safety operation instructions and loading plans shall be formulated.
5、Ship Transportation Supervision
Crew members shall regularly inspect the areas where lithium - battery - related goods are loaded and respond promptly when abnormalities are found.
III. Requirements for Document Materials
1、General Requirements
For all lithium - battery - related dangerous goods, the following documents are required:
Safety Data Sheet for Dangerous Goods: Provide comprehensive safety information on the goods, including chemical composition, hazardous characteristics, emergency handling measures, etc.
Certificate of Results of Identification of the Use of Packagings for Dangerous Goods(if applicable): Prove the safety and applicability of the packaging.
UN38.3報告: International transportation safety test report for lithium batteries, proving that the battery meets specific safety standards.
2、Requirements for Container - type Lithium - ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
For container - type energy storage systems, the following additional documents are required:
Voyage Shipment Application: Include information such as cargo models, lithium - battery models, container numbers, weight, quantity, etc.
Classification and Identification Report of Dangerous Goods or Certificate of Identification of Transportation Conditions: Prove that the goods meet specific dangerous goods classifications.
符合UN38.3報告要求的檢驗證書: Prove that the container and its internal devices meet relevant safety standards.
Photos of the physical goods: Show the actual condition of the goods to ensure consistency with the declared information.
Description of Fixing Method and Photos: Show the fixing methods of the lithium - battery rack box and battery pack.
Description of Fixing Method and Photos of the Fire - extinguishing System: Show the installation and layout of the fire - extinguishing system in the container.
Description of Short - circuit Prevention and Unintentional Start - up Prevention Measures: Describe the safety measures taken during transportation.
Power of Attorney for Agency Application(if applicable): Provided when an agency handles the shipment application on behalf of others.
3、Requirements for Cabinet - type Lithium - ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
For cabinet - type energy storage systems, the following additional documents are required:
Annual Shipment Application: Include information such as cargo models, lithium - battery models, weight and dimensions, annual planned transportation volume, etc.
Classification and Identification Report of Dangerous Goods or Certificate of Identification of Transportation Conditions.
符合UN38.3報告要求的檢驗證書.
Photos of the physical goodsandDescription of Short - circuit Prevention and Unintentional Start - up Prevention Measures.
Power of Attorney for Agency Application(if applicable).
4、Requirements for Special - type Goods
For special types of goods such as prototype batteries and battery packs, lithium - battery - powered vehicles, etc., in addition to the above - mentioned general requirements, targeted additional documents are also required, such as annual shipment applications, cargo photos, packaging certification materials, descriptions of transportation protection measures, etc.
5、Requirements for Transportation for Disposal and Recycling Purposes
For lithium - ion and lithium - metal batteries/battery packs that need to be disposed of or recycled, an annual shipment application, a written commitment of undamaged and defective conditions, certification materials of packaging class II performance indicators, photos of metal packaging, etc. are required.