Seoul Metro introduces cooling tanks at 10 subway stations to help respond to battery fires (Photo courtesy of Seoul Metro)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul Metro said Monday it has begun pilot operations of mobile cooling tanks at major subway stations to better respond to the growing risk of battery-related fires.
The portable tanks, equipped with wheels for easy movement within stations, are designed to help contain and extinguish fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Each tank measures 440 millimeters in width, 294 millimeters in length, and 590 millimeters in height.
The city-run transit authority plans to deploy the tanks at ten of the busiest and most crowded stations — including Seoul Station, City Hall, Sindorim, Sadang, and Gangnam — by the end of this year. The program will expand to 25 additional stations next year.
Following pilot testing, Seoul Metro aims to verify operational efficiency and safety before gradually rolling out the equipment to all stations starting in 2027.
To further enhance on-site fire response and protect workers, the agency will also distribute heat-resistant gloves and fire tongs to all stations, allowing staff to safely handle batteries and debris during emergencies.
“With the pilot operation of mobile cooling tanks, we aim to strengthen on-site responsiveness and create a safer subway environment that passengers can trust,” said Ma Hae-geun, head of Seoul Metro’s operations division.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
