A containership fire now breaks out somewhere in the world about every 17 days, driven largely by misdeclared dangerous cargoes such as lithium-ion batteries and chemicals, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.

Allianz Commercial's Safety and Shipping Review 2026 recorded more than 200 vessel fire incidents in 2025, the second-highest annual total of the past decade. Misdeclared cargo was identified as a major contributor, accounting for about one-quarter of cargo-related incidents.

World Shipping Council president Joe Kramek said misdeclared goods are a "life-and-death safety issue," warning that a small group of irresponsible shippers are putting seafarers, ships and the marine environment at risk.

Allianz noted lithium-ion battery shipments in 2025 were six times higher than five years earlier, with demand expected to double again by 2030. Damaged or improperly packaged batteries have been linked to several major shipboard fires.

Larger vessels have amplified the consequences, with crews sometimes forced to abandon ships before salvage teams arrive. Fires on container ships and vehicle carriers are increasingly resulting in costly general average claims, with contributions reaching up to 50 per cent of cargo value.

Vehicle carriers face elevated risks, with a fire reported globally every 37 days.

In response, WSC has expanded its Cargo Safety Program, using artificial intelligence to screen bookings and flag misdeclared shipments. One case involved "hand tools" later found to contain lithium-ion battery-powered equipment requiring special handling.

WSC has also pushed for stricter fire safety rules at the International Maritime Organization, while Allianz warned that rising battery use will require updated standards, vessel design improvements and tougher regulations to keep pace with the threat.