In North America, Serco has joined forces with CakeBoxx Technologies to address 'thermal runaway' safety issues with shipping lithium-ion batteries on ships and aircraft.
Through this partnership we are working to develop a superior solution for the safe, secure and efficient transportation and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium battery fires are a growing problem with significant consequences. The volume and energy capacity increase now being achieved with these batteries has raised risks of ignition and explosion. Unlike other types of fire, lithium fires are incredibly difficult to put out and prone to re-ignition, posing a serious risk management issue. 'Thermal runaway' is one of the primary risks, in which lithium-ion cells enter an uncontrollable, self-heating state.
With the acceleration of global demand for clean energy sources, including lithium-ion batteries, the importance of proper battery handling and the consequences of mishandling have never been more pronounced. This collaboration is dedicated to creating a range of unique, specialized shipping and storage containers to safely and securely handle lithium-ion batteries.
Serco will provide technical input and expertise in battery safety, assessments and testing, component design and facilities. Serco offers system engineering and integration capabilities to analyse and design entire lifecycle application and engineering, from initial concept and prototyping to acquisition support, production, sustainment and long-range technology roadmap development.
CakeBoxx Technologies is a global leader in sustainable, optimised cargo transportation and storage solutions for high-value, high-consequence and oversized cargo across public and private sectors. The company designs, develops and manufactures safe, secure and efficient containers and platforms for end-to-end transport and storage, addressing ever-changing supply chain challenges and risks.
The joint project will unite a team of industry experts and engineers to design, test and certify the solution to meet the highest safety standards. The product will incorporate advanced fire detection and suppression mechanisms explicitly tailored for containers, providing an added layer of security to safeguard valuable shipments.
We are also exploring opportunities to expand our collaboration with CakeBoxx into other areas of sustainable transport and storage solutions.
“We are excited to work with Serco to tackle the critical issue of thermal runaway in the transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries,” said Jim Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at CakeBoxx Technologies. “By combining our expertise in special container design and engineering with Serco’s cutting-edge safety and risk management technology, we are poised to create a game-changing product that will revolutionize the way these batteries are transported and stored, enhancing the safety of containerized cargo and the people who handle it across the public and private sector.”
