Port of Los Angeles chief Gene Seroka has warned that lithium-ion battery fires pose a growing threat to global supply chains as these blazes remain nearly impossible to extinguish. Unlike traditional fires, water only cools lithium-ion flames without putting them out, creating dangerous situations aboard ships and at congested ports worldwide.

The risk has intensified as demand for lithium-ion batteries surges, with projections showing more than doubling by 2030. Last year marked a decade-high with 250 fires on container ships, many stemming from misreported cargo. These incidents have caused major disruptions, including when a 2024 fire shut down 70% of the Port of Los Angeles for two days.

Shipping companies now face mounting pressure to address the safety risks. The World Shipping Council has implemented an AI tool to scan bookings and flag potentially hazardous containers, with over 75% of the industry by tonnage signing on. Wallenius Wilhelmsen suggests disconnecting small batteries in used vehicles has eliminated fire incidents on their vessels.