The contribution why e-cars on cargo ships are not a greater danger first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
The debate about the safety of electric vehicles flashes up again and again – especially in connection with ship fires. But: E-cars really trigger fires on cargo ships and thus represent a great danger?
If a new technology takes up a place in society, it does not always bring advantages. Because over time, problems often arise. With the boom in electromobility, the number of electric cars is growing, which are repeatedly in the headlines due to accidents and dangerous incidents.
Reports about fires on cargo ships, in which electric cars were also on board, always attract attention. In recent years there have been several freighter fires: “Felicity Ace” in 2022, “Foreign Highway” in 2023 and only recently the auto carrier “Morning Midas”. All cargo ships had thousands of vehicles on board, the damage sums up over one billion euros.
Are electric cars a danger to cargo ships?
After every new fire, the debate always germinates: Are electric cars for cargo ships more dangerous than vehicles with an internal combustion engine? Various experts answer the question with “No”. For example, he says Overall association of insurers (GDV)that electric cars have no statistically higher fire probability than diesel or gasoline vehicles.
A global study also showed that the probability of fire in cars with combustion engines is 0.1 percent and only 0.0012 percent for electric cars. But what is true: Once e-cars burn, lithium-ion batteries can trigger a thermal runaway, also known as thermal. In this process, the temperature increases uncontrollably.
Especially with regard to e-batteries, the so-called self-preserving process often occurs. Simply said: Even if a fire has been supposedly deleted, it can always spark again – a vicious circle. The actual risk of cargo ships is revealed: fire fighting at sea.
Because-regardless of the vehicle type-it burns first, deleting is difficult, especially when lithium-ion batteries are involved. Water is often not enough in the fight against the extreme heat, toxic gases and sudden flame explosions. In addition, vehicles are usually tight on vans-especially on roll-on/roll-off ships.
Better batteries, modernized systems: insurers are calling for more fire protection
“At the latest now, everyone should be clear that the transport of electric cars presents the maritime fire protection of so far unresolved problems,” said Anja Käfer-Rohrbach, managing director of the GDV Editorial network Germany.
In addition to automatic brand detection on deck, the GDV also calls for high-pressure water lever systems and additional equipment as well as trained staff. Fires would have to be recognized and fought within a few minutes. This requires modern equipment, especially because ships have a spatial and technical disadvantage.
The world shipping organization IMO has been working on for a long time stricter security standards for the transport of electric cars. In this way, risks should be able to be better controlled in the future. Research also develops new approaches to improve battery technology.
For example, lithium iron phosphate batteries are considered to be less flammable. Feature batteries are also considered a safer alternative. According to the insurer Allianz Commercial In 2024 there was seven total losses across all types of ships. It is crucial that the cause of the fire is often not clear.
At “Frequent Highway”, an e-car battery is suspected as a trigger, but manufacturers such as Porsche and Volkswagen are emphasized. Even with other fires, it cannot be clearly said whether an electric car or an burner has triggered the fire.
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As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that e-cars on cargo ships are not a greater danger compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. In fact, e-cars can actually offer several advantages when used on cargo ships.
Firstly, e-cars are generally safer than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles as they do not produce emissions that can contribute to air pollution and climate change. This can have a positive impact on the environment and the health of those working on the cargo ships.
Secondly, e-cars are typically more energy efficient and have lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This can result in cost savings for the shipping industry in the long run.
Additionally, the technology behind e-cars is constantly improving, with advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure making them more reliable and practical for use on cargo ships.
Overall, I believe that e-cars on cargo ships are not a greater danger and actually offer several benefits that can help improve the sustainability and efficiency of the shipping industry.
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