Image: Portuguese Navy
The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has taken a proactive stance to address concerns within the maritime and shipping industry regarding the safety of transporting electric vehicles (EVs). In response to rising apprehensions about EV-related fires on car carriers and roro vessels, IUMI has conducted thorough research and published comprehensive recommendations aimed at ensuring the secure carriage of electric vehicles.
Lars Lange, Secretary General of IUMI, asserted that their research draws on a substantial body of scientific evidence, indicating that fires involving battery-powered EVs are not inherently more perilous than those involving conventional vehicles. Moreover, the research suggests that EV fires are not significantly more frequent. While ongoing data collection continues, the current estimates indicate a lower incidence of fires in EVs compared to their conventional counterparts, especially when accounting for distance traveled.
One key finding of the research highlights that the majority (approximately 80%) of vehicle fires, be it EVs or internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), are fueled by car body and interior components rather than the propulsion system. However, EVs introduce the potential for thermal runaway, an unstable chemical reaction within the battery, making fires harder to extinguish. Consequently, mitigation measures such as boundary cooling need to be promptly employed. Additionally, the risk of re-ignition remains high for an extended duration.
The IUMI paper also makes vital distinctions between roro vessels and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Roros often stow cars on open decks, which can impede firefighting efforts due to reduced air flow. Ropax vessels, which carry passengers, introduce unique challenges, including the need to accommodate passenger demands for onboard charging and the possibility of older, less safe vehicles being loaded. In contrast, PCTCs carry vehicles in a densely packed manner, leaving limited space for emergency access and potentially facilitating the rapid spread of fires.
IUMI’s recommendations emphasize several crucial points:
- Early Fire Detection: Swift detection and verification are critical for minimizing response time. Additional measures like thermal imaging cameras and AI-powered systems should be considered alongside conventional detection systems.
- Drencher Systems: Effective firefighting solutions for roro and ropax vessels, both for EV and ICEV fires, include drencher systems installed alongside video monitoring systems.
- CO2 Extinguishing: For PCTCs, CO2 extinguishing systems, if deployed promptly, prove effective. Doubling their capacity is advisable. High-expansion foam fire extinguishing systems can also prevent heat transfer between vehicles.
- Clear Cargo Policy: A clear policy for accepting or rejecting cargo is necessary. Thorough checks on used vehicles for hidden damage are essential.
- Onboard Charging: Charging EVs onboard ropax vessels should be permitted, subject to rigorous risk assessments and control measures, as EVs often have safety mechanisms activated during charging.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) is set to commence work on evaluating fire protection, detection, and extinction arrangements for vehicles and ro-ro spaces, with a focus on reducing fire risks associated with new energy vehicles starting in March 2024.
Lars Lange emphasized that this regulatory process presents an opportunity to enhance safety requirements in light of the growing presence of alternative fuel vehicles on board vessels, and IUMI remains committed to contributing to this ongoing dialogue.
For a detailed read, access the full IUMI paper here. You can also listen to an insightful podcast on this topic featuring Martti Simojoki from IUMI’s Loss Prevention Committee and Hendrike Kühl, IUMI’s Policy Director here.
