EV Shipping Fire Risks

Ship Fire!

There’s been another unsettling incident involving a large car transport ship catching fire at sea. The Morning Midas, a vessel tasked with carrying around 3,000 vehicles, including about 800 electric cars, was forced to abandon voyage in the Pacific Ocean after a fire broke out. Fortunately, all 22 crew members were safely rescued by a nearby merchant ship, but the fate of the vehicles remains uncertain.

The ship, owned by Zodiac Maritime, departed from China on May 26, heading towards Mexico. Unfortunately, just eight days into a planned 19-day voyage, a fire erupted from the area where electric vehicles were stored. This incident once again highlights the inherent risks associated with transporting electric vehicles overseas.

EV Fires

While electric vehicle (EV) sales might not be setting the sales charts on fire as expected, the susceptibility of their batteries to ignite remains a serious concern. This isn’t the first time a ship carrying EVs has encountered such trouble. A few years back, a vessel loaded with 4,000 vehicles—among which were luxury brands like Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini—also caught fire in the Atlantic. The Felicity Ace burned for two weeks before sinking, resulting in a staggering $155 million insurance claim for the loss of the high-end cars.

Shipping Risks

These incidents have not gone unnoticed. Some shipping companies have become wary of the dangers posed by transporting EVs. Norwegian company Havila Kystruten, for instance, has decided against carrying electric vehicles due to the elevated risk levels. Nevertheless, as the market moves steadily towards broader electric adoption, transporting these cars will remain unavoidable.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, but their transport safety still needs improvement. Currently, shipping remains the main method for moving these cars across vast bodies of water. The challenges are evident, but the industry must find a balance between growing the EV market and ensuring the safety of those involved in their transport.

Advancements in EV technology and improved safety protocols could potentially mitigate these risks in the future. Until then, the industry must remain vigilant in handling EVs, especially during shipping.

The full ramifications from the recent Morning Midas incident are still unfolding, but it serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and risks in the world of automobile transportation, especially in the transition towards electric power.