Insurers demand stricter guidelines for transport of batteries and electric vehicles - German Insurers Demand Stricter Rules for Lithium Battery Transport After Repeated Fires
German insurers are calling for tougher safety rules on lithium batteries and electric vehicles. The demand follows repeated fires linked to these power sources in shipping and transport. Experts warn that current standards may not prevent dangerous incidents from spreading or reigniting days later.
Between 2022 and 2025, at least 12 major fires on container ships were traced back to lithium batteries. One of the worst incidents involved the Fremantle Highway in January 2023, which caught fire in the North Sea. Another blaze destroyed the Felicity Ace in February 2022, shortly before it reached the Atlantic.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) now wants batteries classified as a separate hazardous goods category. They also recommend keeping containers with lithium batteries or electric vehicles apart during sea transport. At logistics hubs, large quantities of these items should be stored in clearly marked zones.
High temperatures pose a particular risk. The GDV advises monitoring battery storage areas and cooling them if needed. Thermal runaway—a chain reaction inside damaged batteries—can trigger explosive fires that flare up again even days later.
Stricter safety measures could reduce fire risks in the transport and storage of lithium batteries. The GDV's proposals aim to protect supply chains and improve public trust in electric mobility. Without stronger regulations, insurers warn that incidents may continue to rise.
