No Large Lithium Batteries Allowed on International Ferries Starting Next Year

▲ A large lithium battery compared with the size of a smartphone

Passengers will be prohibited from bringing lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh onto international passenger ships starting next year.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced today (August 31) that it has formulated enhanced safety management measures containing these provisions to prevent fires caused by lithium batteries on passenger ships, with plans to implement them starting next year.

While a fire caused by lithium battery thermal runaway on a passenger ship during maritime operation carries a high risk of leading to a major disaster, there have been no guidelines regarding the bringing of lithium batteries onto passenger ships—including auxiliary batteries, large capacity batteries (power banks), and personal mobility devices such as electric bicycles.

The enhanced safety management measures prepared by the ministry contain detailed battery transport criteria reflecting the operational conditions of international passenger ships and coastal passenger ships.

First, large-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices will be banned from international passenger ships.

For coastal passenger ships, large-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices can be brought on board only with prior permission from the captain, and must be stored in an area equipped with fire suppression facilities.

Small batteries of 160Wh or less can be brought on board only by complying with separate safety guidelines, and charging the batteries themselves using onboard power sources is prohibited to prevent fires caused by overcharging.

Equipment for vulnerable transport users, such as motorized wheelchairs and medical scooters, will be permitted.

To ensure the smooth application of the enhanced safety management measures in the field starting next year, the ministry will operate a publicity and guidance period from this September until the end of the year.

In cooperation with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, the Korea Shipping Association, and passenger shipping companies, the ministry plans to broadcast safety guidance videos on board, post notices in terminals, and send text message notifications.

Jeong Do-hyun, Director General for Maritime Safety Policy at the ministry, stated, "Fires involving lithium batteries on passenger ships can lead to massive casualties, making access control and thorough safety management essential," adding, "We ask passengers for their cooperation for safe maritime transportation operations, even if it causes some inconvenience."

(Photo provided by Seoul Metro, Yonhap News)

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