CEVA Logistics has introduced a dedicated maritime transport solution for the safe movement of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marking a significant development in reverse logistics and sustainable supply chain management. The service, operational from March 2026, has been designed to transport used lithium-ion batteries from island territories and remote regions back to mainland Europe for recycling and proper disposal.
The initiative leverages the global shipping network of CMA CGM, enabling CEVA to establish a structured and compliant logistics corridor for handling hazardous battery cargo. The service begins with an initial deployment of five specially adapted shipping containers, with scope for further expansion as volumes increase alongside EV adoption.
The launch addresses a growing logistics and environmental challenge. As electric mobility gains traction globally, many island nations and isolated geographies lack the specialised infrastructure required to process or recycle lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, particularly at end-of-life or in damaged condition, pose significant environmental and safety risks if stored improperly. CEVA’s new maritime route provides a critical evacuation channel, preventing the accumulation of hazardous materials in such regions while ensuring compliance with strict European Union recycling mandates.
From a logistics perspective, the service represents a structured reverse supply chain model, where end-of-life products are systematically collected, consolidated, and transported back into the industrial ecosystem. By moving used batteries to certified recycling facilities in Europe, CEVA is supporting the development of a circular economy in the EV sector, where valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered and reused.
Given the high-risk nature of transporting lithium-ion batteries—particularly those that may be damaged or unstable—CEVA has implemented advanced engineering controls to ensure safety during transit. A key innovation is its custom “double-container” containment system. Under this approach, batteries are first secured within specialised containment vaults designed to mitigate fire and chemical risks. These vaults are then loaded into reinforced outer containers engineered specifically for hazardous cargo. Each master container can accommodate up to four vaults, with a total carrying capacity of approximately six tonnes.
To further enhance operational safety and compliance, CEVA deploys specialised technical teams for each shipment. These teams include professionals trained in electrical, chemical, and fire safety, who oversee the entire process—from packaging and loading to documentation and shipment clearance. Before dispatch, each consignment undergoes a comprehensive technical and administrative validation process, ensuring adherence to international hazardous goods transport regulations.
In addition to physical safety measures, CEVA’s Reverse Logistics division manages all required regulatory documentation and tracking declarations, including cross-border notification procedures for hazardous materials. This ensures that every shipment meets international compliance standards and can be tracked throughout its journey, enhancing transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
According to Eric Dessupoiu, Vice President of Finished Vehicle Logistics at CEVA Logistics, the initiative builds on the company’s earlier reverse logistics solutions and reflects its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the automotive and energy sectors. He emphasised that lithium-ion battery recycling is becoming a critical priority for Europe, and logistics providers have a key role to play in enabling safe and efficient material recovery.
Overall, the launch of this specialised maritime route positions CEVA Logistics at the forefront of EV supply chain transformation, combining advanced logistics engineering, regulatory expertise, and global network capabilities. As EV adoption continues to accelerate, such solutions are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable lifecycle management of batteries while strengthening global reverse logistics infrastructure.