Exploding Myths - Batteries, Boats & Danger

Send us Fan MailExploding Myths - Vapour clouds, explosion and new frontiers in firefighting.  Lithium Ion Batteries, Boats & Danger!In this episode, Adam and I welcome the leading expert on lithium ion battery safety Professor Paul Christensen to talk about the increasingly topical issue of managing the risks of lithium ion batteries in the maritime and port environment.  Lithium ion batteries have quickly become part of life now in electric vehicles and e scooters for example. On dry land in the UK, Fire services are dealing with one lithium ion battery fire/explosion every day. Thankfully, explosions and fire from malfunctioning lithium ion batteries is not a common problem but the hazard and severity of the incidents is great.  At sea we have seen the catastrophic fires on MV Fremantle Highway and Felicity Ace. Paul explains the difference between traditional combustion fires and lithium ion battery incidents and we dive into the science behind thermal runaway, vapour cloud explosion and fire. NEW FINDINGS ON DANGERS OF VAPOUR CLOUD INHALATIONPaul’s very recent field trials in February 2025, have discovered new information about harmful molecules in the vapour cloud which appear to be causing more severe inhalation injuries for people than traditional smoke inhalation.  FIREFIGHTING & SOLUTIONSPaul’s work involves real world field trials and testing to try to find solutions or better manage the risks but lithium ion battery fires are not extinguished with any of the traditional methods of firefighting which use liquids or remove oxygen.  This presents significant difficulties when tackling this type of fire on a ship at sea with great risk to seafarers who have previously been trained to deal with combustion type fires. This episode of Sea Views is supported and funded by CHIRP and The Seafarers’ Charity:Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereCHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.The Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years.NEWS!  If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube.CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years.by Ahoy Communications Ltd