The Maritime Technologies Forum Addresses Safe Carriage of Electric Vehicles on PCTC Vessels

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a groundbreaking report focused on the safe transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) on Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels. The report, titled Safe Carriage of Electric Vehicles, delves into the unique challenges posed by EV fires and outlines essential measures for ensuring the safe carriage of EVs.

Insights and Recommendations

The comprehensive report sheds light on the characteristics of EV fires and emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention of fire spread, firefighting, evacuation procedures, training, and drills. With the increasing prevalence of EVs being transported on vessels, the industry must be well-equipped to handle onboard EV fires effectively.

While international regulations specifically addressing the safe carriage of EVs are currently lacking, some national and regional authorities have issued guidelines. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is in the process of developing mandatory regulations for the transportation of new energy vehicles, including EVs, with a target completion year of 2027.

Key Recommendations from the Report

The MTF report outlines several critical measures to enhance the safe transport of EVs on PCTC vessels:

• Early Detection: Implementing Battery Management Systems (BMS) on EVs to detect heated batteries early and alert the ship’s systems.
• Prevention of Explosion: Addressing the release of flammable gases during thermal runaway and installing explosion-proof electrical equipment on the upper deck.
• Fire Protection and Prevention of Fire Spread: Isolating fires, cooling EVs, and enhancing structural fire protection for safe crew evacuation.
• Manual Firefighting: Deploying portable firefighting equipment promptly and managing excess water to maintain vessel stability.
• Fixed Firefighting Systems: Evaluating the effectiveness of fixed fire extinguishing systems in vehicle spaces as per SOLAS II-2/Reg.20.
• Safety of Crew During Firefighting: Understanding fire characteristics and car deck obstructions to ensure crew safety during firefighting operations.
• Safety Management System – Training and Drill: Strengthening Safety Management Systems for PCTCs carrying EVs to address specific EV-related risks.

“By addressing the unique challenges posed by EV fires, we aim to enhance the safety of maritime operations and protect crews, ships, and cargoes. This report lays the foundation for the development of safe carriage practices for EVs and provides valuable insights for regulators and industry stakeholders,” said Hiroaki Sakashita, President & CEO of ClassNK.

The MTF report serves as a crucial resource for the maritime industry as it navigates the evolving landscape of transporting electric vehicles. With a focus on safety and preparedness, the recommendations outlined in the report aim to mitigate risks and ensure the secure transport of EVs on PCTC vessels.