2024 January/February Marina World

PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Lithium battery fires on boats are now
a frequent occurrence and can spread
alarmingly quickly.
Safe storage for
lithium batteries
Lithium battery fires on boats are not just a risk, they are a reality. Incidents
causing the destruction of multiple yachts are now a weekly occurrence,
according to iAqua Ocean Safety, manufacturers of the iAqua Lithium Safety
Store, a product engineered to prevent these disasters.
If marinas mandate the use of the
Lithium Safety Store for all boats, this
policy not only enhances the protection
of individual vessels but safeguards
the entire marina from the domino
effect of spreading fires, setting a new
benchmark in maritime safety. They
can also tap into a profitable venture by
providing the stores for rent.
As lithium batteries age, they become
more vulnerable to fires. Tiny cracks
can form in their casings, allowing
seawater or salt moisture to seep in,
creating a high risk of spontaneous
and uncontrollable fires. Even new
batteries aren’t immune, especially
when charged with high-capacity, quick
chargers provided by manufacturers to
The Lithium Safety Store, available in different, stackable sizes, contains vulnerable batteries
and any ensuing fire, and has early warning alarms and fire-suppression.
shorten charging times.
The Lithium Store took years to
develop and is backed by multiple
patent applications covering the
usage of ground-breaking materials
and unmatched construction levels
to contain violent lithium fires of up to
2,000°F/1,100°C; and rapid-response
advanced communications to give
essential early warnings of fire.
Each store is built with a 1in
(2.5cm) thick wall fortified with Kevlar
to give intense heat resistance
and blast protection. The UL 94VO
rated insulation core ensures heat
remains contained, and a sleek, high
gloss glass fibre or carbon finish
adds strength and enhances the
appearance of the box. Thanks to its
heat-blocking construction, the unit can
be comfortably moved using standard
protective safety wear so that it can
be relocated to an open area or, if
necessary, discarded overboard.
The stores are also equipped
with early warning systems and
fire-suppression and have a built-in
water inlet fire extinguishing port that
allows any unit to be manually flooded
via a one-way inlet valve. And each
comes with a handheld digital infrared
temperature reading gun operating
from 58°F to 932°F (-50° to 500°C),
with backlight for day/night usage. Heat
can thus be monitored from a distance
to enhance safety.
Three different sizes are available
in stackable designs with carrying
handles to make each convenient to
use and tidy to store – and installing the
Safety Store onboard, not only protects
the boat and the marina but can also
reduce vessel insurance premiums.
www.iaquaoceansafety.com
56 www.marinaworld.com – January/February 2024