PEAK INDUSTRY BODY Interferry has published a new guide to safe carriage of battery electric vehicles on ro-paxes and other ferries, with a “straightforward message” that they present no greater risk than traditional vehicles.
The “E-cars on Board – A Safe Passage” brochure addresses common concerns regarding BEV safety on ro-pax ferries, providing clear, concise information based on recent research, including findings from projects such as Lash Fire, in which Interferry actively participated.
“We recommend all our members to take a look at the brochure and make it accessible to their customers in a simple way – for more informed decision-making, clarity and safety. You do not have to be an Interferry member to print and distribute this brochure.
“BEVs can be stowed safely next to other vehicles on board a ship’s vehicle decks, as the fire extinguishing equipment of a ro-pax ferry can handle potential incidents, no matter if it comes from an e-car or a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV),” Interferry asserts.
In a clear Q&A format, the brochure informs that BEV fires are statistically less frequent than ICEV fires. It rectifies misconceptions about common fire causes and intensity, extinguishing methods, and fume toxicity. It also clarifies safe storage practices and highlights the safety of on-board charging.
Johan Roos, director of regulatory affairs at Interferry, stressed the brochure’s importance: “Informed passengers are essential, especially as we approach the travel season in many parts of the world. Global e-car numbers are rising, and with it the uncertainties as to how this will affect the safety of ferry travels.
“Ferry operators must provide clear, accurate information, and we believe this brochure is a valuable tool. We want all ferry customers to feel safe and secure.”
Click here to download the brochure print file PDF including simple printing instructions (1.2 MB ZIP file). For further information about the Lash Fire project aiming to reduce the risk of fires on board ferries, please visit www.lashfire.eu.
Interferry currently has more than 260 member companies, representing more than 1,000 individuals from 40 countries, and includes ferry operations of all types and sizes including RoPax, RoRo, Cruise Ferries, Fast Ferries, and Passenger-only Ferries.
Members also include suppliers such as shipbuilders and designers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, naval architects and marine engineers, ship brokers and consultants, classification societies, publishers as well as specialists in information technology, finance, insurance, crewing, training, and more.
