K+N develops lithium battery supply chain solution

Freight forwarder Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has launched a new supply chain solutions specifically aimed at the transport of large format lithium batteries like the ones used in electric vehicles.
The Switzerland-headquartered company explained that the transport of lithium batteries is a complex task given that they are classed as dangerous goods and need to comply with regulations and restrictions.
K+N added that their use is also on the rise as improved performance is driving up their use for electric cars – it is estimated the electric car stock will triple over the next five years.
To meet this requirement the company has launched KN Battery Chain, which is fully compliant with the respective international dangerous goods regulations and certified against ISO9001 and the leading automotive standard ISO16949.
The solution spans from transportation by sea, air, rail and road from the manufacturer to the assembly line to warehousing for production logistics and aftermarkets as well as returns of used and faulty batteries from dealers.
K+N chief executive Detlef Trefzger said: "KN BatteryChain demonstrates Kuehne + Nagel’s leading role in global automotive logistics and our capability to anticipate industry trends from which we derive industry-specific solutions in time.
"I am convinced that this innovative solution developed in close cooperation with our customers and partners will set industry standards for the supply chain along the entire battery life cycle and support our automotive customers and the aftermarket to grow their businesses.”
Lithium batteries have received a bad press over recent years after they caused fires on aircraft and also resulted in mobile phones catching on fire.
This has resulted in the aviation industry creating strict rules for their transport and the transport of products containing the batteries.
K+N itself warned last year that stricter lithium-ion battery regulations would push up supply chain costs.
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