Most ships lack the suitable fire protection, firefighting capabilities, and detection systems to tackle battery fires at sea, which has been made more difficult by the dramatic increase in ship size – container- carrying capacity has doubled in the last 20 years. We have seen many fires where malfunctioning or damaged batteries have been attributed as a contributing factor in recent years.
Allianz has long warned about the risks associated with Li-ion batteries and EVs in shipping for a number of years, first highlighting this issue in 2017. A recent report highlights a full list of loss prevention measures to consider including:
– All EVs should display clear and precise identification on the windshield detailing the battery type (e.g. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
– EVs with low ground clearance should be clearly labelled as this can present loading and discharging challenges arising from the vessel’s ramps, inner slopes, or deck appendages.
– All EVs with a Li-ion battery must have successfully passed pressure, temperature, crush, and impact tests as described in the UN Manual of Tests of Criteria – subsection 38.3 for transport of Li-ion batteries.
– All EVs must be fully functional, self- propelled, safe to drive and contain an undamaged battery system.
– There should be no charging of EVs during the passage.
All EVs must be properly secured to prevent any shifting during transport.
– One potential idea being explored by some car carrier operators, as part of fire-preventative measures, is the use of fire-proof blankets manufactured specifically for EVs.
Allianz experts conclude that the debate about EVs in the shipping industry is ongoing, with conversations about whether there is even a need for dedicated Ro-ro vessels for EVs.
“From an insurance perspective, this is something we would like to see – purpose-built vessels for transporting EVs, designed to substantially reduce the risk of fire. We have already seen shipping companies stop transporting EVs on their ships because of the potential fire risk,” says Allianz.
68 | ISSUE 106 | DEC 2023 | THE REPORT
Höegh Autoliners details EV fire mitigation measures aboard its ro-ro fleet
Recent fire incidents aboard electric vehicle (EV) carrying vessels have brought attention to factors such as thermal runaway, saltwater intrusion, and compromised battery cells or components. Industry stakeholders, insurers, and safety experts have underscored the need for vigilance. Höegh Autoliners outlined the measures it is taking to minimise the risks.
“Together with a clear decarbonisation target, safety is our top priority both on our existing fleet and when designing our new Aurora-class vessels. Fire safety has been a focus area and part of the design work from day one,” said chief operating officer of Höegh Autoliners, Sebjørn Dahl.
To improve fire detection and the ability to handle a possible fire the carrier has, Höegh Autoliners has implemented an extended number of fire zones, and installed heat and smoke detecting cameras and fire blanket stations on all cargo decks, among other measures. It said that it also has more than the class required amount of CO2
, which serves as a highly efficient fire extinguisher,
onboard its vessels. “We’ve also improved the onboard digital platform. This enables us to include early warning if any loaded unit would send out notification of anomalies such as elevated battery temperatures,” said Dahl.
The carrier said it is not transporting second-hand EVs as they may represent a higher risk.
Prior to loading, it has a number of fire risk management procedures, based on the fact that high-voltage batteries in electronic and hybrid cars are charged ideally below 30 percent and not above 50 percent, limiting the energy density on the vessel’s deck and thereby reducing the potential severity of fires.
Höegh added that its crew undergo regular refresher training on fire safety and firefighting techniques, and complete regular drills. In cooperation with local training centres, it is focusing on hands-on fire-fighting techniques as well as safety procedures for high temperature fires.
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