Passenger ferries to restrict lithium batteries over 160Wh starting next year

International ferries to ban batteries and e-bikes exceeding 160Wh

Coastal ferries to require captain's approval and separate storage

Onboard charging prohibited even for smaller batteries; rules take effect next year

An image of a high-capacity battery exceeding 160Wh [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

An image of a motorized wheelchair for passengers with mobility impairments [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

An image of a high-capacity battery for an electric fishing reel [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

An image of a personal mobility device with a detachable battery [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

Starting next year, passengers will be barred from bringing high-capacity lithium batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) — as well as e-bikes and other personal mobility devices — aboard international passenger ferries. On coastal ferries, such items will be permitted only with the captain's prior approval and must be stored in a designated safety zone.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Monday it had drawn up enhanced safety management measures to address lithium battery fire risks on passenger ferries. A public awareness and guidance period will run from Tuesday through the end of December, with full enforcement beginning next year.

Lithium battery thermal runaway fires aboard ferries at sea carry a high risk of escalating into major disasters. Yet no domestic or international standards currently govern passengers bringing portable batteries, high-capacity power banks, e-bikes, or other personal mobility devices onto ferries.

The ministry established separate boarding standards for international and coastal ferries, taking into account their different operating conditions.

On international ferries, high-capacity batteries exceeding 160Wh and personal mobility devices will be prohibited outright. On coastal ferries, passengers may bring such batteries and devices aboard but must obtain the captain's prior approval. Any items brought on board must be stored in a designated zone equipped with fire suppression facilities.

Smaller batteries of 160Wh or less may be carried on ferries provided passengers follow specific safety guidelines. Charging those batteries using onboard power outlets will be prohibited, however, to prevent fires caused by overcharging. Motorized wheelchairs, medical scooters, and other equipment used by passengers with mobility impairments will be exempt from the restrictions.

Before full enforcement begins, the ministry will run a public awareness and guidance period from September through the end of December. Working with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, the Korea Shipowners' Association, and ferry operators, the ministry plans to broadcast onboard safety videos, post notices at terminals, and send text message alerts to inform passengers of the new rules.

Jeong Do-hyeon, director general of the ministry's Maritime Safety Bureau, said lithium battery fires on ferries could cause mass casualties, making strict boarding controls and thorough safety management essential. "We ask passengers to cooperate for the sake of safe maritime transport, even if the new measures cause some inconvenience," he said.

adastra@heraldcorp.com