The Maritime Technologies Forum is set to release a significant report, aimed at guiding ship operators in effectively mitigating the risks associated with electronic vehicle (EV) fires on pure car and truck carriers and ferries. Incidents of onboard EV fires have been recorded for years, though the extent of self-ignition remains unclear. Notable events include a contained fire in 2010 on the MS Pearl of Scandinavia and a devastating fire in 2018 on the VC Sincerity Ace, which resulted in the loss of five crew members. More recently, the VC Morning Midas sank in June after a fire broke out, carrying 746 EVs among over 3,000 vehicles.
The report highlights ongoing debates regarding the role of EVs in initiating or exacerbating fires. While spontaneous combustion is rare, the unique properties of lithium batteries complicate firefighting efforts. To address these challenges, the report outlines several best practices for mariners. Key recommendations include installing alarms for early detection of battery overheating, ensuring onboard electrical equipment is explosion-resistant, and re-evaluating fire protection standards to account for the greater heat produced by EV fires.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of manual firefighting equipment in the early stages of a fire to prevent stability risks from excess water. It also discusses the effectiveness of various fixed firefighting systems, crew safety during firefighting, and the need for enhanced training focused on EV-related dangers. The report will be launched during London International Shipping Week and submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to advocate for improvements to mandatory regulations.
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