Lithium-ion battery safety: A series of fires on recreational ...

The topic of lithium-ion battery safety has garnered significant attention recently. In response to this pressing concern for boat owners, Nautilus Marine Insurance took the initiative to consult a panel of independent experts, resulting in a comprehensive article featured in the latest edition of Nautilus Marine Magazine.

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Lyndon Turner, the CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance and the publisher of Nautilus Marine Magazine, emphasized the safety of boating enthusiasts as the organization’s foremost concern. He noted, “Nautilus Marine Insurance prioritizes the safety of boat owners. We understand the need for information regarding the safety implications of lithium-ion batteries onboard vessels, prompting us to interview a variety of experts to disseminate their insights on safe practices.”

The nine-page article titled "Lithium-ion Battery Safety" appears in the current issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine. Expert voices included in the article are Dr. Adam Best from CSIRO, Matt Ruwald from AllMarine Power Solutions, Marine Surveyor and Loss Adjustor Michael Lieberman, and Warren Damm, Technical Sales Director at NAVICO.

Dr. Adam Best, a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO and a noted authority on lithium-ion batteries, co-authored a report titled "Lithium-ion Battery Safety" for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). He stated in his interview, “Statistically, lithium-ion batteries are considered a safe technology. Fires associated with these batteries are infrequent. However, their scale and intensity, along with the difficulties in extinguishing such fires, have raised awareness and, in some cases, fear regarding lithium-ion battery safety.”

During the discussion, Dr. Best pointed out critical safety concerns regarding various lithium-ion powered devices commonly found in both residential settings and on vessels. He warned against leaving such devices charging for prolonged periods. “Charge them just before use,” he advised. “Avoid leaving charged items on the charger, as this could lead to potential failures.”

As a prominent expert on lithium-ion batteries, Matt Ruwald, the director and owner of AllMarine Power Solutions, reiterated his concerns about portable lithium-ion powered devices. He articulated, “Devices like cordless tools and electric surfboards are often equipped with more volatile lithium-ion battery formulations. Such equipment has been known to ignite on vessels, resulting in the complete loss of the craft.” His recommendations include: “Never charge equipment if the battery is still hot from use. Allow it to cool before charging, and don’t leave these items charging unattended when away from the boat.”

Experts Ruwald and Damm also highlighted the diversity of lithium-ion batteries utilized in portable devices, many of which may pose safety concerns.

In their discussions, all experts distinguished between high-energy lithium-ion batteries found in consumer devices and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are favored in marine applications. LFP batteries are generally viewed as more stable and safer than other lithium-ion types.

“Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is the optimal lithium composition for high-quality marine batteries,” affirmed Ruwald. He emphasized that LFP batteries installed correctly and sourced from reputable providers are among the safest options for vessels. Damm supported this view, declaring that LFP batteries are the “gold standard” due to their lower energy density, which diminishes the risk of “thermal runaway,” a dangerous condition where internal heat escalation cannot be managed.

Dr. Best elaborated, explaining that “thermal runaway” occurs when a battery cell's internal heat reaches a point where it is uncontrollable, resulting in battery failure that progresses unavoidably. “This is why it’s termed a runaway event,” he noted.

Michael Lieberman, a Marine Surveyor and loss adjuster, has personally witnessed the devastating effects of lithium-ion battery-related fires aboard vessels. “The aftermath of lithium battery fires can be utterly destructive, a reality every boat owner must recognize,” Lieberman stated. “I have responded to eight boat fires linked to lithium batteries, and each incident resulted in total loss. Our investigations revealed that these fires were not connected to professionally installed marine-grade LFP systems but rather to accessories and tools either charged or stored onboard. Many of these items are not designed for marine climates. Storing these lithium-powered devices in cooler, drier environments onshore greatly reduces fire risks.”

So what steps should one take in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, whether at home or in a vessel? Dr. Best advised, “Standard personal extinguishers will not suffice. Evacuate the area as quickly as possible and call for emergency assistance, ensuring you provide full details about the situation.”

The full article on lithium-ion battery safety delves into extensive advice from the independent experts consulted by Nautilus Marine Insurance and can be found in the latest issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine.

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Download the complete article: Lithium-ion battery safety

Occasionally, I receive links to an article originally published in Professional Boat Builder and later featured in Sailing Anarchy, claiming that:

Lithium-ion batteries start fires.

This assertion lacks clarity; it fails to differentiate between the types of lithium batteries, such as lithium cobalt oxide (often used in consumer electronics) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which is commonly utilized for marine service batteries and is significantly safer and less reactive.

Moreover, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has attempted to ignite LFP batteries and been unsuccessful.

Furthermore, while it’s mentioned that numerous boat fires result from battery failures, I question the validity of this statement.

I would argue that many fires aboard boats result from poorly designed and installed electrical systems, including installations performed by so-called professionals.

The electrical setup on our recently acquired J/109 posed a fire hazard due to inadequate fusing from the builder's installation.

Additionally, subsequent modifications made by professionals exacerbated the fire risk prior to our acquisition and rehabilitation of the vessel’s electrical system.

This situation is regrettably common, underscoring that a passed survey does not ensure electrical safety. Ours had passed but was far from safe.

Let’s not overlook the perils of electrical systems installed by vessel owners who lack substantial expertise, relying on a few tutorial videos, procuring lithium cells from unreliable vendors, and attempting self-installations.

In my opinion, the more accurate statement is:

Poor battery and electrical installations, rather than lithium batteries themselves, pose the real hazard to boats.

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