Voluntary EV Fire Prevention Measures Earn ClassNK Recognition and Approval

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has received certification for its proactive efforts to enhance fire prevention on the car carrier Cerulean Ace. The LNG-fueled vessel, operated and managed by MOL, was granted certification for “Additional Fire-Fighting measures for Vehicle Carrier (AFVC)” by ClassNK. These measures aim to prevent onboard fires during the transportation of electric vehicles (EV). This certification marks a significant achievement as it is the first time a shipping company’s voluntary measures against EV fires have been recognized by a classification society.

In response to the growing concerns surrounding EV fires, shipping companies are implementing various measures to address the challenges of extinguishing and preventing re-ignition. To support these efforts, ClassNK issued the ‘Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles’ in 2023. These guidelines outline the characteristics of EV fires and provide guidance on how to respond, as well as establish five types of ‘AFVC’ notations based on different safety measures. The Cerulean Ace was certified as meeting three of the guideline’s requirements: FD (Fire Detection), FF (Fire Fighting), and EFF (Enhanced Fixed Fire-extinguishing system).

Among the advanced initiatives implemented on the Cerulean Ace is the installation of cameras and artificial intelligence systems for smoke recognition in the cargo holds. When abnormalities are detected by the AI system in the images captured by the camera, it promptly alerts the crew and the onshore ship management company. This proactive approach to fire prevention demonstrates MOL’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its vessels and cargo, particularly in the transport of EVs.

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