MTF releases safety guidance on transporting electric vehicles

As the maritime industry adapts to the increasing transportation of EVs, ensuring their safe carriage has become a critical concern, since EVs and the lithium-ion batteries powering these vehicles pose significant hazards, including: 

• Thermal runaway – a self-sustaining reaction within battery cells that can lead to uncontrolled heating and intense fire
• Toxic gas emissions – hazardous gases released during EV battery fires pose serious risks to crew and ship safety
• Fire extinguishing challenges – traditional suppression systems may be ineffective, requiring specialised firefighting measures
• Stowage and handling risks – improper placement, damaged batteries or faulty charging procedures increase the likelihood of incidents.

Several stakeholders are calling for enhanced risk mitigation measures prior to acceptance onboard, including pre-loading inspections, thermal condition checks, adequate fire suppression capacity, and access to battery management system (BMS) data. 

Regulatory framework  

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code has been updated to address the transport of lithium-ion batteries, but there are currently no dedicated international regulations for the safe carriage of electric vehicles. The Sub-Committees on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) and on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) are actively developing a framework for the safe transport of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with operational safety measures prioritised for the existing fleet.

At its 109th session in December 2024, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) it was agreed that short-term risk control measures would be advanced while longer-term amendments are developed with a target completion by 2027. In parallel, the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), has agreed that the ongoing STCW review should address seafarer training on managing EV fires and battery-related emergencies. 

Key risks and practical measures 

With mandatory rules still under development at the IMO, MTF’s report is a proactive contribution to safety, offering practical insights based on member experience and technical studies.  

The report recognises that EVs do not necessarily pose higher fire risks than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), but rather different risks, particularly in how they develop and how they must be managed. Therefore, traditional fire protection, detection, and suppression systems may be insufficient. The report offers a non-prescriptive, risk-based framework to help operators understand and mitigate these specific fire risks posed by EVs. 

MTF outlines several key areas for improvement: 

• Early detection through infrared cameras, gas and smoke detectors, video monitoring systems and integration with vehicles’ BMS
• Fire protection and isolation through boundary cooling systems, fire-resistant barriers, portable fire blankets, and reinforced structural protection
• Explosion risk management, including explosion-proof equipment and improved ventilation systems, especially on upper decks
• Firefighting readiness, covering both manual and fixed firefighting strategies tailored to EV characteristics and cargo space configurations
• Crew protection, with enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE), escape planning, and SCBA capacity
• Safety Management Systems (SMS) with updated emergency protocols, EV-specific fire drills, and targeted crew training. 

The report supports a goal-based approach, tailored to each ship’s type and operation, and calls for industry collaboration to develop shared best practices and raise the overall safety baseline. 

While BIMCO was not involved in the development of this publication, we recognise this as a valuable step in improving operational safety in the face of evolving cargo profiles. The report’s insights can assist members assess their current SMS, crew preparedness, and onboard capabilities in anticipation of future regulatory requirements. 

Download the full report