As the global shipping industry embraces the transport of electric vehicles (EVs), new safety challenges have emerged—particularly the risk of onboard fires. In response, the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a comprehensive guidance report aimed at helping ship operators mitigate the risks associated with EV fires on Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) and ferries.
This guidance comes at a critical time. High-profile incidents such as the Felicity Ace fire in 2022, which resulted in the loss of 4,000 vehicles and the vessel’s sinking off the Azores, have raised urgent questions about the safety of transporting EVs at sea. More recently, the Morning Midas sank in the North Pacific with over 700 EVs onboard, further highlighting the need for robust fire prevention and response strategies. [Maritime T…Fire Risks]
Understanding the Risk Landscape
While EVs are not inherently more prone to fires than internal combustion engine vehicles, the nature of lithium-ion batteries introduces unique risks. These include:
- Thermal runaway: A chain reaction that can lead to spontaneous combustion.
- Flammable gases: Released during overheating, which can trigger explosions.
- High heat output: Making fires more challenging to contain and extinguish.
MTF’s report emphasizes the paramount importance of early detection, fire containment, and crew safety. The organization calls for a multi-layered approach to fire risk management that integrates technology, training, and regulatory updates.
Key Recommendations from the MTF Report
🔍 1. Early Detection Systems
EVs should be equipped with Battery Management Systems (BMS) to detect overheating and send alerts to the ship’s fire safety network. Wireless connectivity between vehicles and onboard systems is essential for real-time monitoring. [Maritime T…age of …]
💥 2. Explosion Prevention
EV fires release heavier-than-air flammable gases. MTF recommends using explosion-proof electrical equipment in areas likely to be affected by fire. This reduces the risk of secondary explosions that can compromise vessel integrity.
🔥 3. Fire Protection and Spread Prevention
EV fires produce significantly more heat than conventional vehicle fires. MTF suggests revisiting the FTP 2010 structural fire protection standards designed for traditional vehicles. Enhanced insulation and fire-resistant materials are needed to contain EV fires effectively.
🧯 4. Manual and Fixed Firefighting Systems
- Manual firefighting: Portable equipment should be used early to prevent water accumulation that could affect ship stability.
- Fixed systems: The report compares CO₂, high-expansion foam, and water-based extinguishing systems, noting that each has advantages depending on vessel layout and cargo type. [Maritime T…age of …]
🧑🚒 5. Crew Safety and Training
MTF stresses the importance of crew training, especially in understanding EV fire behavior and navigating car deck obstructions. Ships should be equipped with long-duration breathing apparatus and have evacuation-friendly loading schemes.
📋 6. Safety Management Systems (SMS)
The report recommends updating SMS protocols to include EV-specific fire drills, response plans, and crew education. These updates should be standardized across the industry and incorporated into IMO regulations.
🌐 Industry Implications and Regulatory Outlook
Currently, no international regulations specifically govern the safe carriage of EVs. MTF’s report is expected to be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for consideration, potentially influencing future amendments to SOLAS II-2/Reg.20 and other safety codes. [Maritime T…Fire Risks]
The guidance also aligns with broader efforts to modernize maritime safety in the face of alternative fuels, automation, and green shipping initiatives. As EV adoption grows globally, the maritime sector must evolve to ensure safe and sustainable transport.
🔗 Further Reading and Resources
- Maritime Technologies Forum Official Report [Maritime T…age of …]
- Maritime Hub – Latest Maritime Safety News
- IMO Safety Codes and Updates
📣 Conclusion
The MTF’s proactive guidance marks a significant step toward safer maritime transport of EVs. By addressing the unique risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and offering practical solutions, the report empowers shipowners, regulators, and crews to navigate this evolving challenge with confidence.
As the industry awaits formal IMO regulations, adopting MTF’s recommendations can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that the seas remain safe for all cargo—electric or otherwise.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
