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Strengthening the Safety Management of Lithium Batteries Carried on Passenger Ships
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Date
2026.09.07.
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113
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Strengthening the Safety Management of Lithium Batteries Carried on Passenger Ships
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that it has prepared measures for strengthening lithium battery safety management to address shipboard fire accidents, planning to implement them fully starting next year after a period of publicity and guidance.
Because passenger ships operate at sea, a fire caused by thermal runaway in lithium batteries could lead to a major accident. Currently, however, there are no Korean or international standards for bringing lithium batteries—such as those found in auxiliary batteries, high-capacity batteries (power banks), and personal mobility devices like electric bicycles—onto passenger ships. As such, MOF has established detailed battery carry-on standards that reflect the operating conditions of international and coastal passenger ships.
High-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices are prohibited on international passenger ships. For coastal passenger ships, passengers may bring high-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices only with the captain's prior permission and must store them in a separate area equipped with fire-extinguishing facilities.
Small batteries of 160Wh or less may be brought onto passenger ships in compliance with separate safety guidelines, and charging batteries directly using onboard power is prohibited to prevent fires caused by overcharging. Mobility equipment for passengers with reduced mobility—such as electric wheelchairs and medical scooters—is permitted.
MOF is carrying out PR and guidance from September through year-end to minimize confusion during the initial implementation phase and support smooth field application ahead of next year's implementation. MOF plans to minimize inconvenience for ferry passengers by cooperating with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), Korea Shipping Association, and ferry companies through measures such as broadcasting onboard informational videos, posting notices in terminals, and sending text notifications.
“Fires caused by lithium batteries on passenger ships can result in serious loss of life, making strict controls and thorough safety management essential. We ask passengers for their cooperation, even if these measures cause some inconvenience, so that the new safety measures can be implemented smoothly and passenger ships can operate safely,” said Jeong Do-hyeon, Director General of Maritime Safety at MOF.
- Scheduled for full implementation starting next year, following a PR and guidance period from Tuesday, September 1 to end of December
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that it has prepared measures for strengthening lithium battery safety management to address shipboard fire accidents, planning to implement them fully starting next year after a period of publicity and guidance.
Because passenger ships operate at sea, a fire caused by thermal runaway in lithium batteries could lead to a major accident. Currently, however, there are no Korean or international standards for bringing lithium batteries—such as those found in auxiliary batteries, high-capacity batteries (power banks), and personal mobility devices like electric bicycles—onto passenger ships. As such, MOF has established detailed battery carry-on standards that reflect the operating conditions of international and coastal passenger ships.
High-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices are prohibited on international passenger ships. For coastal passenger ships, passengers may bring high-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices only with the captain's prior permission and must store them in a separate area equipped with fire-extinguishing facilities.
Small batteries of 160Wh or less may be brought onto passenger ships in compliance with separate safety guidelines, and charging batteries directly using onboard power is prohibited to prevent fires caused by overcharging. Mobility equipment for passengers with reduced mobility—such as electric wheelchairs and medical scooters—is permitted.
MOF is carrying out PR and guidance from September through year-end to minimize confusion during the initial implementation phase and support smooth field application ahead of next year's implementation. MOF plans to minimize inconvenience for ferry passengers by cooperating with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), Korea Shipping Association, and ferry companies through measures such as broadcasting onboard informational videos, posting notices in terminals, and sending text notifications.
“Fires caused by lithium batteries on passenger ships can result in serious loss of life, making strict controls and thorough safety management essential. We ask passengers for their cooperation, even if these measures cause some inconvenience, so that the new safety measures can be implemented smoothly and passenger ships can operate safely,” said Jeong Do-hyeon, Director General of Maritime Safety at MOF.
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