Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), the largest independent handler in Hong Kong, is introducing new measures to minimize the risks associated with handling lithium batteries in air cargo.

The company has set up a specialized Lithium Batteries Storage Zone. This zone is outfitted 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.

In the announcement, Hactl said that the new Zone will be clearly indicated by LED signage across its multiple floor levels to ensure that all battery cargo is correctly stored and that retrieval is more efficient.

Hactl's automated Box Storage System (BSS) has also been reprogrammed to store all stillages containing lithium batteries in positions that are more accessible for firefighting and isolated from other cargo types. This again will help to ensure that any lithium battery fire is quickly contained, preventing damage to other cargo and disruption to Hactl’s mission-critical operations.

"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," said Wilson Kwong, chief executive officer of Hactl.

"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," he added.

Kwong noted that this latest measure reflects 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," the Hactl chief executive added.