The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has released an updated version of its guidance on transporting electric vehicles (EVs) by sea, titled “Risk mitigation for the safe ocean and short-sea carriage of electric vehicles”.
The September 2025 update builds on the 2023 best practice paper, reflecting new insights and emerging risks in handling EV cargo across global shipping routes.
Expanded Risk Considerations for EV Transport
The updated guidance introduces several new areas of focus, including the risks of gas accumulation during transport, detailed information on total energy release and peak fire temperatures, and the unique design challenges faced by Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). IUMI also highlights the “Fixed First” approach for PCTCs, underlining the need for ship designs that prioritize fire safety and structural resilience in the event of EV-related incidents.
Addressing Fire Suppression Challenges
Recognizing limitations in existing firefighting systems, the paper emphasizes the inadequacy of foam-based extinguishing methods for EV-related fires.
Instead, it calls for greater innovation and adaptation in suppression strategies that can cope with the intensity and complexity of lithium-ion battery fires. This includes improving detection, ventilation, and containment systems to safeguard crew, cargo, and vessels.
By adding a concise list of key points summarizing the main findings in one page, IUMI’s updated guidance offers practical, accessible recommendations for the shipping and marine insurance industries.
As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, the paper provides crucial direction to enhance safety, manage emerging risks, and support the sustainable carriage of electric vehicles across global and short-sea shipping networks.
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Source: IUMI
