Multi-Agency Drill Tackles High-Risk EV Battery Fires on Ships

In a proactive response to the growing risks associated with electric vehicle (EV) transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard recently spearheaded a crucial multi-agency exercise focused on tackling vessel fires caused by electric vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries.

The two-day drill, held on September 24-25, brought together an array of federal, regional, state, local, and industry partners to enhance coordination and preparedness for such emergencies.

Hosted by the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, the exercise centered on validating the Coastal Georgia Area Contingency Plan (ACP) in line with the National Preparedness and Response Exercise Program (NPREP).

The scenario simulated an EV fire aboard the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Arc Integrity while docked at Georgia Ports Authority’s Colonel’s Island Terminal, one of the nation’s largest auto and roll-on/roll-off facilities, providing a realistic backdrop for the participants to test their response strategies.

The exercise comes after several recent high-profile vessel fires where electric vehicles were involved.

“People and partnerships are vitally important to the resiliency of the marine transportation system. Exercises such as these help first responders understand their various roles and responsibilities throughout complex emergencies within the maritime environment and foster unity of effort, collaboration, and coordination,” said Cmdr. Nathaniel Robinson, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Savannah and Captain of the Port.

The exercise, which took over seven months to plan, involved collaboration from several federal, state, and local agencies, as well as key industry players like ARC, Gallagher Marine Systems, and Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). The preparation underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the potential hazards of lithium-ion battery fires on vessels.

In the lead-up to the exercise, ARC demonstrated its commitment to safety by providing familiarization tours of their vessels to more than 100 local firefighters at the Port of Brunswick, further bolstering regional preparedness.

The timing of this exercise is particularly pertinent, coming on the heels of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton hitting the U.S. Southeast.

The U.S. Coast Guard has previously issued warnings about the extreme risks associated with loading damaged EVs onto commercial vessels. Marine Safety Alert 01-23, issued in 2023, directly addresses this issue and provides critical recommendations for the maritime industry following Hurricane Ian, where saltwater exposure led to numerous EV fires.

“Vessels, ports, and shippers should be aware of this extreme risk and avoid loading EVs with damaged Lithium-Ion onto commercial vessels,” the safety alert stated.

As the global demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, so does the potential for lithium-ion battery fires at sea.

Through simulating real-world scenarios and validating response equipment and firefighting capabilities, the Coast Guard and its partners are hoping to establish a new benchmark in maritime safety preparedness, allowing them to adapt to the emerging challenges posed by the transportation of electric vehicles and their potent lithium-ion batteries.

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