Electric Vehicle Fires on Vehicle Carriers & Ferries

The rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales worldwide is leading to an increasing number of EVs being transported by sea on specialised vehicle carriers like Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), car carriers, and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferries. While this is a positive trend for reducing emissions in the automotive sector, it introduces new fire risks on these vessels that the maritime industry must address.

Recent incidents have highlighted EV fires’ unique challenges compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The powerful lithium-ion batteries that power EVs can enter a state of thermal runaway when damaged or defective, generating intense heat and flames that are difficult to control. While the frequency of EV fires is not necessarily higher than ICE vehicle fires over an equivalent distance travelled, EV fires on vehicle carriers and ferries present specific issues:

• The batteries are often located in the underside of the vehicles in protective casings, making them hard to access for firefighting;
• Batteries can re-ignite even after a fire is thought to be extinguished, sometimes hours or days later;
• Toxic and flammable gases can be released, endangering crew;
• Tightly packed vehicle decks, especially on PCTCs, allow fires to rapidly spread between adjacent vehicles; and
• Fixed CO2 systems may not be fully effective and can’t be activated in port during cargo operations.

On PCTCs, the low ceiling heights and dense loading of vehicles makes fighting EV fires especially problematic compared to more open ro-ro decks on other vehicle carriers and ferries. Crew may not be able to safely access and cool the battery pack before fire spreads. However, fires in conventional vehicles can also spread rapidly in these conditions.

Maritime regulators and the industry are working on updated guidelines and requirements for vehicle carriers and ferries transporting EVs to address these risks; key areas of focus include:

• Improving early fire detection systems and procedures on vehicle decks;
• Developing new fire suppression systems and agents optimised for EV fires;
• Enhancing crew training on EV fire response with an emphasis on controlling thermal runaway;
• Updating cargo loading and stowage plans to better segregate and provide access to EVs; and
• Establishing policies on accepting used EVs that may have prior undisclosed damage.

With the number of EVs transported by sea projected to continue rising rapidly, it is critical that the maritime industry stays ahead of this emerging risk. By implementing robust prevention, response measures and training based on the latest research and best practices, vehicle carrier and ferry operators can ensure the safe and sustainable transport of the electric vehicles that will increasingly dominate the global car market in the coming years.

Article by Gerard P. | Master Mariner | VIRSEC Course Author

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VIRSEC is an online company providing courses for Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships, if this subject is of interest, please reach out and contact us at training@virsec.org, and we will be happy to assist you.