Fires on ships present significant hazards, notably with the increasing transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) on roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. The German Federal Ministry of Transport, as early as 2013, highlighted the enhanced fire risks posed by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The study advised that these vehicles should be stored in specially equipped areas with appropriate detection and firefighting measures, emphasizing that lithium-ion battery fires can reach extremely high temperatures and produce toxic gases.
Subsequent reports, including a 2016 DNV-GL analysis of fires aboard ro-ro cargo decks, reaffirmed the fire risks, urging swift activation of fire suppression systems and improved cargo securing measures. The report noted the specific threat posed by cargo shifting during transit, which could potentially lead to thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries—a dangerous phenomenon caused by overheating.
As the prevalence of EVs grows in maritime transport, their risks are not yet fully addressed. Although recent ro-ro fires have not specifically implicated electric vehicles, U.S. Coast Guard alerts identify general battery hazards and emphasize proper stowage. Accident reports reveal ongoing scrutiny, but some critical information remains inaccessible, hampering collective learning on fire safety.
Educational initiatives are underway, such as presentations by Captain Jim Staples that cover the construction and hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, challenges in firefighting, and best practices for early fire detection using thermal cameras. Staples has called for transparency regarding investigation outcomes, especially concerning incidents like the ongoing Felicity Ace fire off the Azores and a separate fire on a Grimaldi Euroferry vessel.
The Grimaldi Euroferry incident, which occurred on February 17, 2022, led to some injuries and significant damage, continuing a troubling trend of fires associated with ro-ro vessels operated by Grimaldi. Previous incidents have prompted calls for better oversight of car batteries, which are frequently linked to onboard short circuits and resultant fires.
The maritime safety sector is acutely aware of these risks and is actively seeking to improve safety protocols related to transporting electric vehicles. With various organizations and studies emphasizing the urgency of better managing risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires, ongoing research and sharing of best practices are crucial for enhancing maritime safety in this evolving sector.
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