A prominent American shipping operator has announced it will no longer accept electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids for sea transport, effective immediately, reports SupercarBlondie.
The abrupt policy shift comes amid escalating concerns over the ability to safely carry vehicles powered by high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly difficult to manage in emergency situations at sea.
Triggering Incident Sparks Major Change
The policy change was prompted by a recent disaster involving a cargo carrier that was transporting thousands of vehicles—among them several hundred EVs. A fire erupted aboard the vessel during transit, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The entire vessel was eventually lost, underscoring the unique fire suppression challenges posed by EV batteries in maritime environments.
Unlike conventional vehicle blazes, fires involving lithium-ion batteries may undergo thermal runaway—a rapid, self-propagating chemical reaction that generates intense heat and is difficult to extinguish. Standard shipboard fire suppression systems are typically not designed to handle such events. Industry observers and insurers have noted that while EVs are rarely the root cause of incidents, once overheating begins, it can spread through densely packed decks, leading to catastrophic loss.
Temporary Suspension, Future Reassessment
In its notification to customers, the shipping company clarified that the suspension applies to both new and used battery‑electric and plug‑in hybrid models. Regular internal combustion vehicles will continue to be accepted. The firm intends to reassess its policy when adequate safety protocols—such as improved fire detection, containment systems, or enhanced battery management standards—are developed and validated.
This move has immediate implications for logistics chains, particularly for island regions and states reliant on maritime auto transport. It also raises broader questions about the preparedness of shipping infrastructure to handle the global rise in EV adoption. Key stakeholders are now under pressure to accelerate work on industry-wide safety standards for EV carriage to prevent further disruptions.
Reevaluating Safety Standards
Industry groups and maritime safety organizations are already working on guidelines that could enhance safe EV transit at sea. Proposals include limiting battery charge levels, mandating thermal imaging detection systems, installing specialized firefighting tools, and prescribing greater spacing between vehicles onboard. Until such measures are universally accepted and implemented, the suspension remains in effect.
This departure from transporting electric and hybrid vehicles highlights a growing awareness of the fraught risks posed by lithium-ion battery fires at sea—and raises the bar for future transport safety planning in a rapidly electrifying world.
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Source: SupercarBlondie
