The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a safety alert regarding the transportation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on roll-on-roll-off (RO-RO) ferries. The alert aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with carrying BEVs on these vessels and provides guidance for operators on how to manage these risks. The alert highlights various hazards, including high voltage shocks, direct flames, and the rapid intensification and spread of fires in BEVs. It also emphasizes the additional weight of BEVs compared to combustion engine vehicles and the potential damage to batteries during the boarding process.
The alert recommends that operators conduct risk assessments for their vessels to account for the risks posed by BEVs. It suggests developing ship-specific procedures for preventing and containing fire incidents involving BEVs. The alert also advises against charging BEVs on board and provides guidelines for stowing and marking the vehicles. It emphasizes the importance of early detection of thermal instability and coordination with local fire and rescue services to establish emergency procedures.
Overall, the alert highlights the unique risks associated with transporting BEVs on RO-RO ferries and provides operators with actionable recommendations to ensure the safe transportation of these vehicles.
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