Working Conditions Aboard the Genius-Star-Xi

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has uncovered alarming safety issues related to the maritime transport of large-scale lithium-ion battery systems. The report, released on December 18, 2025, details a serious incident involving the 'Genius Star XI', known during the incident as the 'World Luna', which experienced two fires while navigating the treacherous North Pacific Ocean on December 24, 2023. During this journey, the ship was carrying 192 lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) units when a significant failure in the securing of the cargo allowed 41 units to shift due to the forces of heavy seas. This led to internal structural damage, resulting in three units entering thermal runaway—an uncontrollable heat situation that can reach temperatures above 572°F. The investigation highlighted a crucial design flaw in the securing mechanism: the diameter of the D-ring did not match the inner diameter of the hook, preventing the hook from seating properly. This incompatibility concentrated stresses at the hook’s bend, ultimately leading to its failure under load. As gale-force winds of about 26 knots and swells up to 19 feet battered the vessel, the crew discovered on December 25 that all BESS units in bay 4 of hold no. 2 had shifted. Shortly thereafter, black smoke began emanating from cargo hold no. 1. Acting quickly, the master ordered a deployment of the ship's fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system, utilizing all 153 CO2 cylinders—leaving the vessel unprepared for further incidents. This forced a diversion to Dutch Harbor. Despite their efforts, a second blaze ignited in cargo hold no. 2 just three days later. With no CO2 left, the crew battled the fire by spraying seawater on the exterior of the hold for around four hours. The 'Genius Star XI' finally reached Dutch Harbor on December 29, where the U.S. Coast Guard mandated anchorage two miles from shore due to potential reflash risks. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or environmental damage. The investigation further revealed that internal shelves weighing 300 pounds had detached from deformed rails, allowing lithium-ion battery packs to move freely and impact the unit's interior, causing short circuits which resulted in arcing and scorch marks in 13 units. The NTSB’s investigation underscores vital lessons for the maritime industry, particularly regarding the secure transport of large stationary lithium-ion battery systems. Crews are urged to adhere strictly to the cargo securing manual and approved lashing plans, conduct thorough inspections of all cargo securing arrangements during and after loading, and ensure that all lashing belts, hooks, and chains are properly seated on D-rings and attachments. The 'Genius Star XI', under the ownership of GS Navigation S.A. and operated by Taiwan-based Wisdom Marine International Inc., departed from Busan on December 18 bound for Long Beach. Following the fire incidents, the delivery destination was altered to San Diego, where the vessel arrived on February 24, 2024, after necessary repairs and replenishment of its CO2 systems at Dutch Harbor. The damage from the fire was estimated at $3.8 million. For more detailed information, see the full report at the NTSB website.

The cargo vessel 'Genius Star XI' has resumed its voyage after departing from Dutch Harbor on February 11, with its sights set on San Diego, California, where it is expected to arrive by February 24. Following a thorough Coast Guard Port State Control inspection and the securing of all cargo, the ship was cleared to continue its journey. The Unified Command, previously overseeing the incident, has officially concluded its operations. This response team included the Coast Guard Captain of the Port serving as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator, alongside the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation acting as the State On-Scene Coordinator, with Gallager Marine Systems leading as Incident Commander. For more details and visuals, visit the official report: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3674725/mv-genius-star-xi-departs-dutch-harbor-alaska-concluding-response-operations/

On January 30, the 'Genius Star XI' safely docked in Dutch Harbor, marking a crucial step in the ongoing logistics efforts aimed at ensuring a secure environment for the completion of important work. This strategic relocation was executed upon the advice of the salvage master, supported by the Coastguard's salvage engineering response team, and other seasoned technical professionals who possess expertise in cargo re-securing methodologies. The duration of the vessel's stay at the dock will be influenced by the operational demands of the port as well as the necessity to accommodate other vessels. The 'Genius Star XI' was directed to tie up at Unalaska Marine Centre Docks 1 and 2. Here, responders are tasked with the urgent job of re-securing the lithium-ion industrial battery unit cargo, which sustained damage in an incident at the end of December 2023. The onboard crane is intended for use in loading supplies essential for stabilizing the dislocated cargo. Notably, there are currently no plans to unload any cargo from the ship while it is in Dutch Harbor. Prior to the vessel's arrival, local officials, alongside the Coastguard Pacific Strike Team, implemented adjustments to the community air monitoring system to ensure safety. Thankfully, since the commencement of the incident, there have been no indications of abnormal air quality reported on the vessel or from the local community. Additionally, the CO2 bottles critical for the ship's firefighting system are in the process of being replenished, a necessary requirement for the vessel to resume its journey following its stint in Dutch Harbor. An ongoing investigation is focused on determining the root cause of the fire incident that prompted this extensive response.

On January 5, 2023, the Salvage Marine Firefighting team took significant steps by putting into action the air circulation plan sanctioned by the Unified Command. This operation aims to enhance air flow within the cargo holds of the vessel 'Genius Star XI'. The Technical Expert Advisory Group of the Unified Command has designed this strategic plan, which is currently being executed by response personnel. As part of the operation, ongoing air quality monitoring is being conducted both on-site and in the community of Unalaska, and as of now, air quality remains normal in both locations. The team successfully offloaded all empty CO2 bottles for refurbishment and will reload the refilled bottles on the vessel. This step is critical as it pertains to compliance with the International Maritime Organization's Safety of Life at Sea regulations, aimed at ensuring effective fire suppression systems. Once the air circulation operations are concluded, the Technical Expert Advisory Group is preparing recommendations to open the cargo hatches for further visual inspections. Additional technical experts are also on their way to assess the protocol for entering the cargo holds to conduct more thorough inspections. The Unified Command, which comprises the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Gallagher Marine Systems, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, remains dedicated to coordinating efforts efficiently in response to this incident. For safety, a one-mile exclusion zone has been established around the 'Genius Star XI'. Mariners wishing to navigate into this area must seek permission via VHF Channel 16.