Hactl launches lithium batteries storage zone
New zone will be indicated by LED signage across multiple floor levels to ensure all battery cargo is correctly stored
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) has opened a dedicated lithium batteries storage zone.
The zone is equipped with CO2 fire suppression systems and fire-proof partitions to segregate battery cargo from other shipments. Increased provision of fire extinguishers will also help to contain any battery fire and reduce the risk of spread, according to a press release from Hactl.
The new zone will be indicated by LED signage across its multiple floor levels to ensure all battery cargo is correctly stored and retrieval is more efficient, the release added.
“Hactl’s automated box storage system (BSS) has also been re-programmed to store all stillages containing lithium batteries in positions which are more accessible for fire-fighting and isolated from other cargo types. This will help to ensure that any lithium battery fire would be quickly contained, preventing damage to other cargo and disruption to Hactl’s mission-critical operations.”
Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive Officer, Hactl says: “Shipments containing lithium batteries are an important revenue stream for the air cargo industry but the potential risks of handling lithium batteries are well known. This fact, coupled with the ever-increasing tonnages that we are required to handle, means that we must take every possible precaution.
“This is why Hactl has already invested in an intelligent cargo thermal detection system in order to provide advance warning of any exceptional conditions that may indicate the impending risk of a battery fire. The new zone takes this proactive approach still further, ensuring that any battery fire can be effectively contained and then quickly extinguished.
“These measures reflect Hactl’s constant dedication to providing safe and reliable logistics solutions through effective risk management and operational innovation. Our aim is to protect the mission critical infrastructure of SuperTerminal 1, the safety of all Hactl staff and terminal users, and the property of all customers. We hope that our proactive stance on this important topic will inspire others to review and upgrade their own arrangements for lithium battery handling.”
