Passenger ferries in South Korea to ban batteries above 160 Wh next year

South Korea will tighten rules on lithium batteries aboard passenger ferries next year, banning large power banks and devices such as electric bicycles from international passenger ships.

The new limit is 160 watt-hours. On coastal ferries, batteries and personal mobility devices above that threshold will require the captain’s prior approval. Approved items must be stored in a separate onboard area equipped with firefighting facilities.

Smaller lithium batteries of 160 watt-hours or less may still be carried if passengers follow safety rules. However, passengers will not be allowed to charge them using power supplied inside the vessel because of the risk of fires caused by overcharging. Electric wheelchairs and medical scooters used by people with mobility needs are exempt from the restrictions.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said it established the rules to prevent fires caused by lithium-battery thermal runaway. Such fires can be difficult to suppress, and incidents at sea may be harder to handle than fires on land, potentially causing major casualties.

The ministry will operate a guidance period from September through December to reduce confusion before full implementation next year. It plans to publicize the changes through onboard announcements and videos, terminal notices and text messages, working with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, the Korea Shipping Association and ferry operators. “Lithium-battery fires on passenger ships can lead to major casualties, so they need to be managed from the point of boarding,” said Jeong Do-hyeon, the ministry’s director general for maritime safety.

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Lithium-battery fires on passenger ships can lead to major casualties, so they need to be managed from the point of boarding.