Shipping company MAERSK - variations for battery-powered vehicles
The shipping company Maersk informed our forwarding agent customers that there are new regulations for the booking of battery-powered vehicles.
These are no regulatory requirements but handling variations of the shipping company itself.
Here the text in original:
Requirements for Booking Electric Vehicles
Dear Valued Partner,
We are committed to ensuring the safety and ease of business for our customers. Due to the significant increase of lithium battery powered electric vehicle exports, we have revised our previous communications referring to vehicle sea transport policy. This revision is due to multiple questions asked by shippers and freight fowarders regarding the classification of electric powered vehicles when shipped in containers for sea transport.
We emphasize that it is mandatory for vehicle shippers to adhere to the following International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) guideline when booking.
E-vehicles solely powered by Lithium batteries shall be declared as dangerous goods under UN3171/class 9. No special provision or exemption allowed.
Hybrid vehicles with Lithium batteries shall be declared as dangerous goods under UN3166/class 9 or can be shipped as non-dangerous goods if shipper complies with Special Provision 961*. Shippers may also be held liable for damages resulting from a non-compliant shipment.
*Special Provision 961 which defines measures that can be taken to neutralize the hazard of fuel and batteries, to allow the vehicles to be consigned as non-hazardous, if below requirements are met:
• Isolate the battery
• Protect battery from short circuit
• Remove the fuel from the tank
Vehicles consigned as UN 3166 must meet Special Provision 962, which states:
• Vehicles must not show sign of leakage from the battery, engine, or fuel tank.
• Limitations to the fuel tank for flammable liquid powered vehicles.
• The fuel shut-off valve of flammable gas-powered vehicles must be closed.
• It does not require marking, labelling, or placarding.
When shipping vehicles declared as dangerous goods under either UN3171 or UN3166, a dangerous goods declaration and a container packing certificate is required.
As with any potentially dangerous cargo, it is the sole responsibility of the customer to follow and comply with the IMDG regulations and requirements when shipping vehicles. Should the shipper fail to follow these requirements, a USD 5,000 Misdeclaration Fee per bill of lading will be applicable.
We appreciate your understanding as we try to uphold the highest safety standards while also creating solutions for your cargo movement. Should you have any questions, please reach out to your Maersk Line, Limited customer service representative.
Sincerely,
Maersk Line, Limited
