US DANGEROUS cargo solutions provider CakeBoxx Technologies and the UK's lithium-ion battery storage specialist Serco Inc have allied to address the incendiary risks that plague such shipments, reports the American Journal of Transportation.

The plan is to create a range of specialised shipping and storage containers to safely handle lithium-ion batteries, a problem that has become acute with the advent of electric vehicles.

With growing demand for compact energy sources, such as lithium-ion batteries, the importance of proper battery handling has never been greater, said the report.

Said CakeBoxx operations chief Jim Campbell: "Lithium battery fires are a growing problem with significant consequences. The volume and energy capacity increase that has been achieved with these batteries now means a higher risk of ignition and explosion.

"Unlike other types of fires, lithium fires are incredibly difficult to put out and are prone to re-ignition, posing a challenging risk management issue," said Mr Campbell.

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 revolutionise the way these batteries are transported and stored, enhancing the safety of container cargo and the people who handle it."

Said Serco maritime engineering chief Mike Fortune: "This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery safety technology. Together with CakeBoxx, we aim to redefine industry standards, ensuring the secure and efficient transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries."