What is the Benefit of CEVA's Used Battery Maritime Service?

CEVA Logistics has introduced a secure maritime transport service for used lithium-ion batteries, presenting procurement teams with a potential solution to address the growing challenge of responsible battery disposal.

As organisations increasingly adopt electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems, the question of end-of-life battery management has become a critical procurement consideration, particularly for companies operating in isolated or island territories where local recycling infrastructure could be limited or non-existent.

The service creates a reverse logistics solution designed to transport used batteries from remote locations to mainland Europe, where they can enter established recycling systems.

For procurement professionals evaluating logistics partners, this development could signal an important shift in how third-party providers are responding to the complexities of battery waste management.

Evaluating reverse logistics capabilities

CEVA Logistics is a leader in third-party logistics, with established expertise in supply chain solutions and reverse logistics. The company offers end-to-end solutions across multimodal transportation, having launched electric vehicle battery reverse logistics solutions in 2025.

For procurement teams, understanding a provider's track record in reverse logistics could be essential when assessing their ability to handle the complexities of battery transportation. Reverse logistics involves moving goods from their final destination back to the manufacturer for returns, recycling or disposal, requiring different capabilities than traditional forward logistics.

When evaluating potential logistics partners, procurement professionals should consider factors such as the provider's operational experience with hazardous materials, their existing network infrastructure and their ability to scale services as battery volumes increase. The financial stability of the provider and their insurance coverage for high-risk cargo should also form part of the due diligence process.

The battery market has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by the adoption of electric vehicles and increased demand for energy storage solutions. This growth has made battery waste a concern, creating demand for responsible recycling solutions.

"Lithium-ion battery recycling is a key issue for Europe, and we are committed to making the battery sector more circular," says Eric Dessupoiu, vice president, finished vehicle logistics, at CEVA Logistics.

"We have 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."

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Assessing safety and compliance measures

The service utilises a custom double-container system, which procurement professionals should consider when evaluating safety protocols. Used batteries are consolidated into containment vaults, which are then placed into larger shipping containers specifically designed for battery cargo. Each container can hold four vaults, with a transport capacity of up to six tons.

For organisations concerned about liability and risk management, the safety measures implemented by logistics providers could be a determining factor in vendor selection. CEVA's approach involves trained technicians with expertise in chemical, electrical and fire safety participating in each operation to ensure batteries are safely packed with minimal risk of leakage.

Additionally, each transport project undergoes what the company describes as a thorough technical and administrative review before shipping, including completion of tracking declarations and procedures. For procurement teams managing compliance requirements, understanding how a provider handles regulatory documentation could be crucial.

Procurement teams should also evaluate whether providers maintain appropriate certifications for hazardous materials handling and whether their personnel receive regular training updates on evolving safety standards. The transparency of incident reporting and the provider's claims history can offer valuable insights into their operational reliability.

Considering geographic and regulatory requirements

The service targets isolated geographies, including island countries or territories that are gaining access to the EV market but may lack resources for safe and responsible battery disposal. Procurement professionals in these regions face the challenge of managing accumulating used batteries without local recycling systems or with limited capabilities.

Through a partnership with CMA CGM shipping lines, the transport service became operational in March 2026, following an initial deployment of five adapted containers. The solution is being deployed across Europe, where batteries will be subject to European regulations ensuring careful handling and responsible disposal.

For procurement teams, this could mean evaluating whether logistics partners can support mandatory requirements on collecting and recycling batteries used within the European Union. The service encompasses collection, handling, road and sea transportation, temporary storage, diagnosis and dismantling in a battery logistics centre, offering what CEVA describes as a comprehensive approach to end-of-life battery management.

As organisations develop procurement strategies for logistics services, the ability to support circular economy objectives through responsible battery disposal could become an increasingly important evaluation criterion when selecting third-party logistics providers. Lleaders should request detailed service level agreements that specify response times, handling procedures and environmental commitments to ensure alignment with their organisation's sustainability goals.