World’s First Safety Certification for EV Transport Awarded to LNG-Powered Car Carrier

Safety is of the utmost importance everywhere, but particularly when out at sea. Maritime vessels transporting consumer goods that can be fire hazards, like electric vehicles (EVs), have long been at risk from incidents. However, now, one car carrier vessel, the Cerulean Ace, has been awarded the world's first safety certification from the classification society, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).

The certification is called "Additional Fire-fighting Measures for Vehicle Carrier" (AFVC) and was issued by ClassNK. The awardee is a car-carrying vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Cerulean Ace. The ship is managed by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), one of the world's largest transport companies.

MOL became the first ship operator to receive this global certification thanks to its voluntary onboard fire prevention measures. These measures specifically focus on the safety of transporting electric vehicles. The certification acknowledges the operator's effort to improve safety onboard against EV fires. This unique risk can't easily be put out and tends to spread rapidly and even reignite.

How the Cerulean Ace Meets ClassNK's Safety Standards

The vessel Cerulean Ace was recognized for meeting three (out of five) of ClassNK's fire safety notations. It has a fire detection (FD) system), a fire fighting (FF) system, and an enhanced fixed fire-extinguishing (EFF) system. To meet the FD standard, the ship must install modern camera systems and artificial intelligence technologies to detect smoke in cargo holds.

The AI system functions to detect any abnormality in the camera images. When it does, it delivers a warning to the onboard crew and the onshore management team, allowing them to respond quickly to fire hazards. The certification judges how efficiently the AI system works to detect fire early.

Class NK's Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles was published in August 2023. It outlined the certification requirements for fire safety to allow shipping operators to objectively evaluate their onboard safety measures.

With this AFVC certification from ClassNK, MOL has reaffirmed its dominance in the shipping industry. This is not surprising as MOL, an industry leader in vehicle transportation, has always been committed to EV transport by sea. The company also continues to improve its safety procedures to ensure EVs are transported safely.

Fire Hazards Caused by EVs during Maritime Transport

Last year, a cargo ship transporting around 3,000 vehicles burned in the North Sea, with one human casualty and plenty more injured. Although only a few EVs were onboard, the fire is believed to have been "started in the battery of an electric car." This resulted in the fire continuing to blaze for a few days.

This incident still underscores the risk of transporting EVs without proper regulations. Even with regulations in place, the risk is still in place. There are several reasons for that.

Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that power electric vehicles are prone to thermal runaway. This chain reaction happens when a battery cell overheats, either by physical damage, manufacturing defect, or other causes. Once the thermal runaway begins, it leads to a fast buildup of heat, which then potentially causes a fire very challenging to control.

When traveling at sea, the confined spaces where these vehicles are kept can aggravate the danger. And if the ship's operator doesn't have proper emergency response procedures and resources, the situation worsens.

Limited firefighting options at sea

Lithium-ion battery fires can't be extinguished easily using regular methods. Water may not always be effective, requiring special agents like foam or other specific fire-suppressing materials. This makes it more difficult for the ship's crew to control and manage EV fires at sea.

And even after the fire appears to have been extinguished, there's a huge possibility of reignition. Damaged batteries can smolder and reignite hours or even days later. Various ship operators are often not prepared for this possibility.

Other challenges with the batteries during transit

There are two other possible major risks for the batteries during transit in the ocean.

• External factor damage: If the batteries are exposed to saltwater (due to a leak or other mishap), there's a higher risk of short circuits and chemical reactions that ignite a fire. Furthermore, if the batteries are damaged due to the vibrating motions at sea or potential impacts during loading/unloading, they may also be at risk of catching fire.
• Containment challenges: As previously mentioned, the spaces where the EVs are parked on the ship can be tightly packed. Lack of space makes fire containment difficult. The EVs may also catch fire from contact with other flammable or hazardous materials the ship carries. This further complicates matters if an EV fire breaks out on board.

Industry Efforts and Initiatives

Thanks to the increased production of EVs and their global-scale distribution, the shipping industry has no choice but to improve safety practices and protocols. Ship owners and carriers have recognized the unique risks in transporting lithium-ion batteries, particularly the potential for thermal runaway that often leads to severe fires.

Acknowledging this potential risk, various stakeholders are investigating ways to enhance mitigation methods and response techniques. They also address the need for specialized training for crew members in handling the cargo and incidents like fires caused by Li-ion batteries.

Progress in the industry includes exploring the use of advanced firefighting systems on the ship. Modern fire suppression systems now involve:

• Enhanced early detection with improved sensors
• Water mist systems that cool down the area and reduce oxygen levels without causing water damage to other cargo
• Fixed firefighting system that uses extinguishing agents directly into the space where fire is detected.

Moreover, suppression systems are being advanced to cater to the particular needs of EV cargo, aiming to both prevent and combat incidents effectively.

Furthermore, the guidelines for the safe transport of EVs are continuously being refined. They aim to offer comprehensive regulations that EV carriers must follow, including precise instructions for the stowage and handling of EVs on board.

ClassNK safety enhancement programs

The renowned maritime classification society, ClassNK, has been proactive in addressing the safety challenges posed by transporting electric vehicles. The society has developed specific safety enhancement programs addressing the carriage of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), including EVs. These programs involve strict guidelines to ensure the safe transport of EVs on shipping vessels.

ClassNK's guidelines lay out criteria that must be met by cargo ships carrying electric vehicles. If ship owners, operators, and carriers meet these criteria and ensure safe transportation, ClassNK acknowledges them for doing so, such as in the case of the MOL-operated Cerulean Ace.

It is highly crucial that other organizations of authorities like ClassNK also establish regulations that cover fire prevention, detection, and suppression, particularly for Li-ion battery fires. Only with the work of ClassNK and other governing bodies of maritime transport can a vehicle carrier ship minimize the risk of incidents and enhance overall safety.

Other aspects of maritime transport that could benefit from new and improved guidelines may include the design of cargo ships, especially in Ro-ro vessels and container ships. Guidelines prescribing modifications to help contain and manage fires associated with EVs would be useful for these cargo ships. With how many EVs are being transported above those ships, continuous risk assessment and disaster preparedness drills specific to lithium-ion battery fires must always be performed.

Collaboration across the shipping industry remains a cornerstone for improving the safety of EVs transported by sea. This cooperation extends from ship owners to maritime organizations, insurers, firefighting experts, battery manufacturers, and regulatory entities. The need for industry-wide standards and shared knowledge on handling the complex risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is paramount.

By sharing experiences and solutions, the shipping industry works towards a common goal: the implementation of the most effective and well-informed procedures for the carriage of EVs by sea. This collective effort is significant, reflecting the industry's commitment to advancing safe sea transportation, mitigating risks, and protecting human life and the environment.

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