No EVs involved in car carrier fire

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【Summary】Salvage companies deny speculation that an electric vehicle (EV) started the fire on the car carrier Fremantle Highway. The salvage specialists argue that the number of intact EVs on the lower decks and the speed at which the fire was extinguished are inconsistent with EV battery fires. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, leaked photos show significant damage to the ship and burnt-out car frames. The incident has sparked calls for stricter regulations on the shipment of EVs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 6:15 AM PT

Executives from salvage companies have dismissed speculation that an electric vehicle (EV) caused the fire on the car carrier Fremantle Highway. The Panama flagged car and truck carrier, chartered by K Line, was traveling from Bremerhaven in Germany to Singapore when the fire broke out on July 25th.

According to maritime-executive.com, salvage specialists have questioned the theory that the fire originated from one of the electric cars. They pointed out that a significant number of EVs on the lower decks remained intact, and the speed at which the fire was extinguished was inconsistent with EV battery fires.

Another report stated that there were 498 EVs on board, but between 900 and 1,000 cars, including the EVs, seemed to be undamaged. The salvage executive told Bloomberg that the fire likely started on the eighth deck, where the most severe damage occurred. However, he also mentioned that "all experts with any knowledge on this topic agree that the transportation of electric vehicles introduces additional risks."

The salvagers did not provide specific details, but insurance experts will ultimately determine the cause of the fire. The ship is currently being stabilized at a pier in Eemshaven, a facility operated by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. Salvage teams and investigators are working together to develop plans and determine the origins of the fire. The engine room remains in good condition, and a new crew has been flown in from Japan to manage the ship's systems.

Executives from Boskalis revealed that leaked photos, possibly taken by an insurance adjuster or inspector, showed the extent of the damage inside the vessel. The photos depicted warped decks and burnt-out car frames, including recognizable Mini models and Porsche 911s and Cayennes. These images were also shared on social media by a German politician advocating for stricter safety regulations for the shipment of EVs. The incident has sparked calls for increased regulations in Germany and the German media.

Sections of the ship have suffered severe damage, with unstable decks and car frames fused to the deck in some areas. However, the cars on the lower decks appear to be undamaged. Boskalis emphasized that no decision has been made to offload any cars, as the temperatures still pose a risk of another fire if removal is attempted, as reported by maritime-executive.com.