The shipping industry struggles with safely transporting hazardous goods, particularly lithium batteries, due to rising fire risks, as evidenced by the 2022 Felicity Ace sinking and the 2025 Morning Midas fire, which forced 22 crew members to abandon ship.
These incidents highlight issues like misdeclaration and inadequate handling protocols. The Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) is addressing these challenges through collaboration with testing labs and carriers. At the 2025 SMDG plenary, GSBN presented strategies for automated data sharing and verification to improve risk management for lithium battery shipments, minimizing misdeclarations and enhancing safety through technology-driven transparency.