Norway was the first country to require training in handling lithium-ion battery fires, but OilComp is now seeing growing interest in this expertise abroad as well.
- There is no doubt that lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized many fields, from electronics to electric transportation. At the same time, there have also been reports of injuries and accidents related to the use of these batteries. That’s why there’s a high demand for knowledge on how to handle lithium-ion batteries safely,” explains Eirik Eidem, CEO of OilComp.
Need for Expertise
In addition to an increasing number of vessels equipped with lithium-ion batteries, the Faroe Islands have installed a battery storage system connected to the island’s wind farm to create a more stable power grid.
Course participants included representatives from the Faroe Islands’ maritime authorities, the Tórshavn Fire Department, the state-owned transportation company Strandfaraskip Landsins, and the local salmon producer Bakkafrost.
- The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries, challenges related to handling and extinguishing fires, and a lack of knowledge about safety and emergency preparedness regarding Li-ion batteries were the reasons we were invited to participate in this collaboration with the Faroe Islands,” explains Eidem.
Handling lithium-ion battery fires on board a ship
The course is led by an experienced instructor with a background in the fire service and ship electronics, and will include both theory and practical cases.
Those interested can now register for the course through OilComp's website, and several courses will be held throughout the year.