Source: The Straits Times
Date: 5th June 2025

Rising EV cargo fires spotlight growing maritime safety concerns

A cargo vessel transporting approximately 3,000 vehicles, including 800 electric cars, was abandoned in the Pacific Ocean after a fire broke out roughly 300 miles south of Alaska’s Adak Island.

Despite the crew’s initial firefighting efforts, the fire aboard the ship could not be contained. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated by the U.S. Coast Guard, while salvage teams were dispatched to handle the ongoing emergency.

This incident underscores the heightened risks associated with transporting EVs, particularly due to the volatility of lithium-ion batteries. Fires involving EVs are harder to extinguish and escalate more quickly due to the enclosed and heat-intensifying environments of car carriers.

Recent years have seen several high-profile maritime fires involving EVs, prompting insurers and shipping stakeholders to reassess cargo safety protocols.

While guidelines have been introduced to address EV-related fire hazards, the industry continues to grapple with how best to mitigate these risks.

The increasing number of EVs on global shipping routes raises complex challenges for shipbuilders, cargo owners, and insurers alike, as they seek to prevent future incidents and ensure crew safety.