New solution

This year, Cathay Cargo became one of the first Asian carriers to be recertified with CEIV Lithium Batteries, which is at the heart of the newly refreshed Cathay Dangerous Goods shipment solution. Below, you can see the process for Lithium-ion batteries from acceptance – including Cathay Cargo’s range of fire-resistant bags and containers to contain any fires that may happen as part of the Cathay Dangerous Goods solution. 

The protocol also goes into detail regarding the use of special covers on forklift blades to reduce the risk of puncture damage in the warehouse. “The refreshed solution reflects how the safe carriage of lithium-ion batteries has become a core focus of our cargo business,” says Joey Lee, Cargo Customer Solutions Manager. “While mitigating against risk, it offers our customers more flexibility and streamlined approval processes.” 

Spreading the word to the industry 

With lithium battery shipments, the onus tends to fall on the forwarder. The regulations state that articles must be properly identified, classified, packed, marked, labelled, documented and be in an acceptable condition for transport. “Agents have to check the shipment, complete the proper declaration and ensure the goods are packed in accordance with DGR regulations,” says Chan. 

Cathay Cargo has long championed safety through collaborative efforts across the industry, enhancing customer understanding of dangerous goods handling. With representation on IATA boards and the development of its own Cargo Agent Operation Programme (CAOP), the company has built a robust framework to support forwarders in handling lithium-ion batteries. Over time, CAOP has expanded across the network, reinforcing safety standards and reducing risks. “This is just one of the ways we’re working with the wider industry to strengthen safety in lithium battery shipping,” says Fanny Chan.

Working with the industry

Cathay Cargo has proposed an Enhanced Lithium Battery Screening Programme in Hong Kong aimed at translating regulatory standards into practical processes that address the risks associated with lithium battery shipments. In his role as Chairperson of the Carrier Liaison Group (CLG), Head of Cargo Operations, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, Calvin Hui recently presented the programme to its members, which include other cargo carriers and cargo terminals at the Hong Kong hub, along with HAFFA (the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Limited). 

Its aim is to bolster and standardise safety protocols, and educate the market on best practice on the transportation of lithium batteries out of Hong Kong. “As the gateway to the Southern Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong handles a significant volume of lithium battery shipments,” says Hui. “Instead of different airlines introducing their own requirements, the programme sets out best practice with the help of other cargo terminals and the Airport Authority's Common Data Platform, which airlines can follow, to minimise the impact to the industry while optimising safety.”

The majority of shipments accepted in Hong Kong are pre-pack cargo, where the forwarders prepare, screen and build up shipments in their own facilities. “This is unique to Hong Kong because we do not have the capacity at a constrained airport to carry out screening for every shipment,” says Hui. It’s an established process, but there is concern around potential inconsistency in the quality of the screening services used by forwarders.

The programme aims to address this uncertainty by educating forwarders’ teams and raising awareness on proper handling and identification of lithium batteries. The significant change being implemented is limiting the master air waybill owner to tender pre-packed cargo to the Cathay Cargo Terminal via a maximum of three regulated facilities (RACSF) that have been preregistered to keep better control and visibility over the make-up of shipments.. Other work includes creating a platform to share safety-critical information – such as x-ray images of misdeclared or hidden lithium batteries picked up by the AI screening at the Cathay Cargo Terminal.

“Given the complexity of Hong Kong’s airfreight operations, it is essential for carriers to collaborate closely with customers and authorities to ensure safe transport, protecting carriers, customers, and our home hub’s reputation,” says Hui. The CLG’s Enhanced Lithium Battery Screening Programme represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safe shipment of lithium batteries.”