(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) There have been numerous serious incidents involving both vehicle carriers and Ro-Ro vessels over the years. The most common types of incidents
affecting these types of vessels concern a loss of stability or fire originating on the vehicle decks.
Some of these incidents proved to be the catalyst for changes in the way these types of vessels were operated and saw the introduction of new design features to improve stability and safety. Despite developments and improvements over the years, issues remain, compounded by the emergence of the risks presented by LiBs used in fully electric and hybrid vehicles. Shipowners, operators, managers and crew must remain alive to both the established and evolving hazards to ensure that risks are identified, understood and mitigated.
The carriage of vehicles and vehicle cargoes presents distinctive challenges to Pure Car Carriers (PCC), Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and Ro-Ro Passenger (Ro-Pax) vessels.
The structural design of these vessels, featuring multiple vehicle decks, a highsided box-shaped superstructure and subdivision characteristics above the freeboard deck, makes them particularly sensitive to stability-related risks. Similarly, any cargo shift can also reduce the available intact stability and the safety of the ship.
In recent years, the increasing demand for the transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced unique risks, primarily associated with lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), which are still being understood. Compounding the increased use of composite materials, while offering advantages in weight reduction and fuel efficiency, can introduce higher fire loads in the event of a fire in modern vehicles.
Recognising these challenges, the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment, during its 11th session (SSE 11) in February 2025, adopted an action plan to evaluate the adequacy of existing fire protection, detection and extinguishing arrangements for EVs (old and new) and other new-energy vehicles. The plan calls for a systematic review of reports, studies and technologies, identification of key hazards and development of goal-based measures to enhance safety.
In parallel, several organisations, including the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), have also conducted detailed studies and issued technical guidance on the safe carriage of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and EVs at sea.
To ensure their safe carriage, it is essential that seafarers are familiar with the characteristics of EVs and other newenergy vehicles and that they are properly trained in their handling, monitoring and emergency response.
Onboard incidents involving EVs can and do occur while a vessel is alongside, where the proximity to port infrastructure, personnel and other cargo can significantly amplify potential consequences. In these situations, a fundamental requirement for effective risk mitigation is close collaboration and a common understanding among all parties – ship operators, terminals, insurers, emergency responders and supply chain stakeholders. Establishing shared expectations, clear procedures and coordinated response capabilities
is essential to managing these risks responsibly and safeguarding people, assets and the environment.
This guide outlines these risks and offers practical measures to help seafarers and shipping companies manage them effectively.
Click on below image to download the Guidance paper.
Source: UK P&I club
