Electric cars introduce new fire risks on ships as ferry operators enhance safety measures

Ferry operators in the Baltic Sea have begun improving vehicle deck safety protocols amid a lack of international guidelines, as electric car fires present unique challenges compared to traditional vehicle fires, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Electric vehicle (EV) fires burn hotter, produce more toxic smoke, and are harder to extinguish than gasoline or diesel fires, prompting ferry companies to increase training, acquire new equipment, and ban EV charging onboard. Some operators now designate separate parking areas for electric cars, while others refuse to transport damaged EVs or require special arrangements.

Training and equipment upgrades
The Maritime Safety Training Centre (Meriturva) in Kirkkonummi, Finland, has updated its fire safety courses to address alternative fuel risks, including EVs. The centre trains around 2,000 professionals and enthusiasts annually, with a growing focus on initial fire response tactics.

“At sea, help doesn’t always arrive immediately, so the first few minutes of a fire are critical,” said Leif Johansson, head of Meriturva’s fire training unit. “Our training emphasises effective early intervention.”

Operators now conduct fire drills as frequently as weekly, with all crew trained to handle various fire scenarios. New equipment, such as thermal cameras and specialised extinguishers, has been added to vehicle decks.

International guidelines still years away
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) estimates that unified global regulations for EV handling on ships may not take effect until 2032. Until then, practices vary by operator and flag state.

The Finnish Seafarers’ Union has raised concerns about EV fire risks for years, noting that lithium-ion battery fires can reignite even after appearing extinguished. Some automakers have also issued recalls for certain EV models due to battery fire hazards.

Passenger responsibility emphasised
Since thorough EV inspections during boarding are impractical, Johansson stressed that drivers must assess their vehicle’s condition before embarking.

“If an EV’s system shows error warnings, the driver should consider whether it’s safe to take it onboard,” he said.

While EV fires remain rare on ferries, their intensity demands proactive measures. Operators maintain that, under normal conditions, EVs pose no greater fire risk than conventional vehicles—but require different suppression tactics.