EV fires also generate much higher temperatures than an ICE fire with a sustained flame, which can be difficult to ‘knock-down’. Re-ignition can also occur, in some cases, a considerable time after the fire has been extinguished.
Methods for fighting a fire involving Li-ion batteries remain under review, with new technologies being researched and developed. There is currently no definitive answer for how best to tackle an EV fire.
LESSONS FROM RECENT INCIDENTS
Brookes Bell have attended fire incidents and casualties that have involved both the carriage of Li-ion batteries and EVs. Following these attendances, additional challenges came to light which may not be fully appreciated by the wider industry, and particularly the seafarers at the front line.
Firstly, as a consequence of thermal runaway, there is a possibility of flammable gases collecting in enclosed head spaces that the ship’s crew may not be aware of. On a recent case we attended, there was evidence of a vapour cloud explosion beneath the top canopy deck, lifting it 2.5 metres across 100 metres length. As a result, the crew were unable to access the lifeboats on this deck. Additionally, the fire and foam mains also ran the length of this deck and had been buckled following the explosion.
Following the fire, many of the car carcasses were unrecognisable. Aluminium has a melting point of 660°C; however, car manufacturers have reported that tests involving EV fires can reach temperatures in excess of 2,000°C. As a result of the extreme temperatures, heat can also transfer downwards, not only upwards, burning container floors or melting aluminium structures which have the potential to block bilges and scuppers. The photographs show the stalagmites created by molten aluminium on a recent attendance.
Ship designs may also need to be reconsidered. Based on our experience, access into certain spaces may not be suitable to safely exit in an emergency involving EVs. For instance, open stairwells will pass through car decks, meaning that crew would have to move through a fire zone that could potentially be filled with toxic gases and vapours.
68 | ISSUE 113 | SEP 2025 | THE REPORT
MV Fremantle Highway in July 2023.
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