Lithium batteries are revolutionising yacht power systems, offering resilience, longevity, and efficiency. But with great power comes great responsibility. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued a guidance note outlining key safety points for lithium battery installations on yachts, highlighting the need for careful consideration and expert handling.
Lithium batteries are becoming mainstream on yachts, powering everything from house systems to propulsion. Their ability to handle heavy loads and provide long-lasting power has transformed how cruisers live aboard, offering a lifestyle similar to that on land with fewer power restrictions. However, this shift comes with risks. The MCA’s guidance note underscores the importance of proper installation, system design, ventilation, and cooling to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
The MCA’s advice, while primarily aimed at commercially coded yachts, has broader implications. It reflects growing concerns about lithium technology’s safety, particularly following several high-profile fires on yachts. These incidents have underscored the need for rigorous safety measures to prevent thermal runaway—a rapid, uncontrolled increase in temperature that can lead to fires.
The guidance note specifies that only Lithium-Ion-Phosphate (LFP) batteries are currently approved for yacht installations. Cheaper alternatives, such as nickel or cobalt-based batteries, are more susceptible to thermal runaway and are therefore not recommended. Proper installation is crucial, as incorrect setups can invalidate insurance policies. High current levels and the need for safe containment and proper battery management systems necessitate expert advice and installation.
William Taryn, a firefighter and founder of Maritime Safety Solutions, has become a key figure in yacht lithium battery safety. His expertise has been sought after following several lithium-related fires on yachts. Taryn emphasises the importance of understanding the various aspects of lithium technology on board, including the safe storage of lithium-powered devices like e-bikes.
“As lithium battery systems started to be installed on yachts, we began to see fires here in the city. We quickly learned more about lithium technology and what leads to lithium fires. There are lots of aspects to having lithium on board a boat and it’s not just the yacht’s batteries, as many yachts now carry things like e-bikes with lithium batteries, and the storage of them has to be considered too,” Taryn explains.
Taryn’s work includes consulting on yacht designs, training crew members, and developing operating manuals and emergency procedures specific to lithium battery systems. His efforts have also contributed to updates in the STCW course for professional crew, which will now include a section on firefighting related to lithium batteries.
The risks associated with lithium batteries are not hypothetical. In February last year, INEOS Britannia’s AC40 suffered a fire caused by thermal runaway due to repeated impact. The crew’s quick response contained the fire, but the incident highlighted the potential dangers. Other incidents, such as a fatal lithium battery fire in a Florida marina and the suspected lithium-related deaths of two cruisers in British Columbia, underscore the need for stringent safety measures.
For leisure sailors, the practical steps to ensure safety include correct installation, proper containment, isolation, ventilation, and extinguishing systems. Taryn highlights the Proteng fire suppression system, which can be fitted into battery spaces and activates at high temperatures to extinguish fires effectively.
Despite the challenges, the benefits of lithium batteries are substantial. They can handle heavy loads, making them ideal for yachts equipped with modern comforts, including air-conditioning. Their longer life cycles justify the higher initial cost. However, the industry must ensure that installations meet the exacting requirements of lithium technology. This is relatively straightforward for new builds but more complex for retrofits, where a direct swap may not be possible.
The MCA’s guidance note is likely to shape the regulatory framework for lithium technology on yachts. Commercially coded yachts may need to invest in meeting these new requirements, which could impact charter operations. For luxury yacht builders, this has proven to be a significant challenge, particularly for yachts already in build.
In conclusion, while lithium batteries offer numerous advantages, their installation and management require careful consideration and expert handling. The MCA’s guidance note provides a crucial framework for best practices, ensuring that the benefits of this advanced technology can be realised safely. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the safe integration of lithium batteries will be a key focus, shaping the future of yacht design and operation.