Cessation of Electric Vehicle Transportation by Matson due to Fire Safety Risks in the Pacific Region

Matson, a leading transportation services company operating along the West Coast of the US and across the Pacific, has announced an immediate halt to the transport of electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about fire risks during transit.

In recent months, several vessel fires have raised alarm bells about the maritime transport of EVs. One such incident involved the Morning Midas, a vessel chartered by SAIC Anji Logistics, which sank earlier this year after a fire reportedly started on a deck carrying EVs. Another notable incident was the sinking of the Felicity Ace in 2022, two weeks after a fire broke out onboard. The vessel was carrying around 4,000 vehicles from various Volkswagen Group brands, and reports suggested that lithium-ion batteries may have contributed to the severity of the fire.

The exact cause of these fires, including those on the Morning Midas, Fremantle Highway, and Felicity Ace, has not been formally confirmed. However, one of the primary concerns is thermal runaway, an increase in battery temperature that can lead to short-circuits and the release of more heat.

To address these challenges, Matson previously established an Electric Vehicle Safe Carriage Working Group. The company has also introduced measures such as increased review processes, battery shipment checklists, stowage protocols, thermal detection tools, and firefighting equipment.

Despite these efforts, Matson has decided to suspend all EV and LFP battery shipments until appropriate safety solutions that meet their requirements can be implemented. The suspension applies to all routes and includes both new and used EVs, plug-in hybrids, and standalone LFP batteries.

It's important to note that fires involving LFP batteries require different handling precautions than those involving Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) fires. LFP batteries are known for their safety advantages, including a lower risk of thermal runaway compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Matson's services cover various locations, including Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia, and Southern California. The company aims to resume acceptance of EVs once safety measures are in place to ensure the secure and efficient transport of these vehicles.

This suspension serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the maritime transport of EVs and LFP batteries. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it is crucial for companies like Matson to continue working towards finding safe and efficient solutions for their transport.

Cessation of Electric Vehicle Transportation by Matson due to Fire Safety Risks in the Pacific Region