Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Disrupts Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Closing Terminals

Operations at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are being disrupted after a fire involving an overturned tractor-trailer carrying lithium batteries near Ocean & Navy Way on Terminal Island on Thursday.

Los Angeles port officials announced that APM Terminals, Fenix Marine, Everport, and Yusen Terminals will remain closed on Friday as local fire, hazmat, and police agencies continue their efforts to contain the situation. However, Trapac and West Basin Container Terminal, along with the World Cruise Center, will maintain operations.

The Port of Los Angeles is working diligently to manage the crisis. “We are collaborating with responding agencies, container terminal operators, union officials, and other stakeholders to ensure safety and minimize disruptions,” a port spokesperson stated.

At the Port of Long Beach, the container terminals at Pier T and Pier A were expected to remain closed for the Friday day shift (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) due to proximity to the fire. All other container terminals, LBCT, ITS, PCT and SSA at Pier C, remained open.

“At this time it is not expected that the incident will greatly impact the flow of cargo at the Port of Long Beach,” the port said.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has also joined the efforts, coordinating with emergency responders and assessing the damage. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters responded to the incident. The damaged batteries were on fire, off-gassing, and had reportedly caused one explosion. 

This incident occurs as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing record-breaking activity.

As the situation unfolds, port authorities are advising motorists to use alternate routes, with traffic being diverted away from the affected area.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up