CEVA Logistics has unveiled a pioneering maritime transport solution aimed at addressing one of the electric vehicle (EV) industry’s most pressing environmental challenges: the safe removal and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries from island and remote territories.
Launched in March 2026, the service is designed to transport end-of-life EV batteries back to continental Europe for proper processing and recycling.
Leveraging the extensive shipping network of CMA CGM, the initiative introduces a structured and secure route for batteries of all conditions. The rollout begins with five specially adapted shipping containers, marking a critical first step in scaling sustainable battery logistics.
Island nations and geographically isolated regions are increasingly under pressure as EV adoption accelerates. Despite the shift toward cleaner mobility, these areas often lack the advanced, capital-intensive infrastructure required to safely recycle or dispose of volatile lithium-ion batteries. CEVA’s new solution acts as a vital release mechanism, preventing the hazardous buildup of battery waste in environmentally sensitive locations.
By transporting used batteries to continental Europe, CEVA ensures compliance with stringent European Union regulations, which mandate the responsible collection and recycling of all batteries introduced into the market. This not only safeguards ecosystems but also reinforces the region’s commitment to a circular economy.
“Lithium-ion battery recycling is a key issue for Europe, and we are committed to making the battery sector more circular,” said Eric Dessupoiu, VP of Finished Vehicle Logistics at CEVA Logistics.
“We’ve leveraged our expertise as a logistics provider in the automotive sector with the launch of CEVA’s Reverse Logistics solution in 2025, and now we’re strengthening the offering with a dedicated maritime transport solution to support the disposition and transport of batteries for recycling purposes.”
Transporting used and potentially unstable lithium-ion batteries across oceans presents considerable safety risks, including fire hazards and chemical exposure. To mitigate these dangers, CEVA has developed an advanced “double-container” containment system. Batteries are first secured within reinforced containment vaults, which are then placed inside specially engineered shipping containers. Each container can hold up to four vaults, with a total capacity of approximately six tons.
Safety remains central to the operation. CEVA deploys specialized teams for every shipment, including technicians trained in electrical, chemical, and fire safety. These experts oversee the careful handling, packing, and loading of batteries into containment systems.
Additionally, every shipment undergoes a rigorous technical and administrative review by CEVA’s Reverse Logistics specialists, ensuring full compliance with international hazardous material transport regulations and documentation requirements.
By combining cutting-edge engineering, strict safety protocols, and a powerful global logistics network, CEVA Logistics is positioning itself as a leader in enabling a truly circular EV supply chain, one that is not only efficient but also globally accessible and environmentally responsible.