Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles are generally allowed on ferries, but there are some restrictions and requirements in place due to safety concerns, particularly regarding the risk of battery fires. In Greece, for example, new regulations have been implemented by major shipping companies that restrict the battery charge of electric vehicles to a maximum of 40%. Similar restrictions apply to vehicles fuelled by liquefied or compressed natural gas. Other safety measures include requiring electric vehicles to be certified as safe for transport at sea and prohibiting passengers from charging their electric vehicles onboard ferries. Ferry operators also mark cars to distinguish electric and hybrid vehicles from standard internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to facilitate quick identification in the event of a fire. Overall, while electric vehicles are permitted on ferries, specific guidelines and precautions are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles allowed on ferries | Yes, but with certain conditions |
| Conditions | No damage to the battery compartment, battery charge limit of 40% or less, no charging onboard, etc. |
| Reasoning | Safety concerns due to the risk of battery ignition or small explosions |
| Ferry operators imposing restrictions | Greece, Norway, Germany, UK, Ireland, Sweden |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric vehicles with damaged battery compartments may not be allowed on ferries unless the battery is removed or certified as safe
- Ferries in Greece have a maximum battery charge limit of 40% for electric vehicles
- Ferries in Ireland do not have any restrictions on the maximum battery charge for electric vehicles
- Electric vehicles are marked separately from standard cars on ferries to distinguish them in case of a fire
- Ferries do not allow electric vehicles to be charged onboard
Electric vehicles with damaged battery compartments may not be allowed on ferries unless the battery is removed or certified as safe
Electric vehicles are generally allowed on ferries, but certain conditions must be met to ensure safety. One critical requirement is that the battery compartment must be intact and not damaged. If there is any damage to the battery compartment, special measures must be taken for the vehicle to be allowed on board.
Ferry operators are increasingly concerned about the safety of transporting electric vehicles due to the risk of fires. While electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars, a fire in an electric car battery can be challenging to extinguish and may flare up again. This poses a significant challenge for ferry crews, who may not have the specialised equipment or training to deal with such incidents effectively.
As a result, ferry companies have implemented various restrictions and requirements for electric vehicles. For example, some operators in Greece and Ireland have introduced a charge limit for electric cars, allowing a maximum battery charge of 40%. This is based on the assumption that batteries with higher charge levels are more prone to fire and thermal runaway incidents. Additionally, ferry operators may require passengers with electric vehicles to declare their vehicle type when booking and ensure that the battery compartment is in good condition.
In the case of an electric vehicle with a damaged battery compartment, the ferry company may require additional safety measures to be taken. According to Caledonian MacBrayne, if an electric vehicle has damage to the battery compartment, it will not be shipped unless the battery is removed or the vehicle is "certified as safe" for transport at sea. This certification must be provided by a competent person recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) 'TechSafe' accreditation or a similar entity, such as the manufacturer or their representative.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and restrictions may vary depending on the ferry company and the route taken. Therefore, it is advisable for electric vehicle owners to contact the ferry operator in advance to understand their policies and ensure a smooth journey. By following the necessary safety precautions, electric vehicle owners can confidently utilise ferry services while ensuring the safety of themselves, their vehicles, and the ferry crew.
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Ferries in Greece have a maximum battery charge limit of 40% for electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are generally allowed on ferries, but some ferry operators have implemented specific regulations for their use. For instance, ferries in Greece have a maximum battery charge limit of 40% for electric vehicles. This rule was implemented by the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy in mid-April 2024, and it applies to both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
This regulation means that electric vehicles with a battery charge above 40% are not permitted to board Greek ferries. Ferry employees will check the battery level of electric vehicles before allowing them to embark, and vehicles with a charge above the limit will be rejected. This restriction is in place due to safety concerns, as it is believed that batteries with higher charge levels are more prone to catching fire or experiencing thermal runaway incidents.
However, it is important to note that there is conflicting evidence regarding the validity of this belief. While some sources claim that electric vehicles are about 16 times less likely to catch fire compared to combustion vehicles, others argue that the difficulty lies in extinguishing electric vehicle fires rather than their frequency. The process of extinguishing an electric vehicle fire is different from that of a combustion vehicle fire, and most ship crews may not be adequately trained or equipped to handle such incidents.
The 40% battery charge limit on Greek ferries is intended to reduce the risk of fires and improve the manageability of any potential incidents. This regulation may be revised in the future as the technology in electric vehicles evolves, and the adoption of solid-state and lithium-iron phosphate batteries becomes more widespread. These newer battery types are believed to significantly reduce the risk of fires in electric vehicles.
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Ferries in Ireland do not have any restrictions on the maximum battery charge for electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are permitted on ferries, but certain safety measures and restrictions may apply. For instance, some ferry operators in Greece have implemented a battery charge limit for electric cars, allowing a maximum charge of 40%. This restriction is based on the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy's assertion that batteries with higher charge levels are more prone to fires and thermal runaway incidents.
However, ferries in Ireland do not currently have any restrictions on the maximum battery charge for electric vehicles. While there are concerns about the potential fire risk associated with electric vehicles on ferries, it is important to note that the likelihood of a fire in an electric car is significantly lower than in petrol or diesel cars. According to statistics from Sweden, only 0.4% of all passenger vehicle fires annually involve electric or electrified cars.
Despite the low risk, ferry operators remain cautious due to the potential consequences of a fire at sea. To address this, some companies, such as Irish Ferries, provide recharging points for electric vehicles on their ferries. They also require passengers to pre-book these charging spaces and check-in at least one hour before sailing. Other ferry companies may impose bans on electric car charging while onboard to minimise the risk of fire.
It is worth noting that ferries have different requirements for vehicles with natural gas or liquid gas fuel. The tanks of these vehicles may only be filled up to 50% to comply with safety regulations. Additionally, electric vehicles with damage to the battery compartment may not be allowed on ferries unless the battery is removed or the vehicle is certified as safe by a recognised competent person.
As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, ferry operators will likely continue to adapt their policies and infrastructure to accommodate these vehicles while prioritising the safety of their passengers and crew.
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Electric vehicles are marked separately from standard cars on ferries to distinguish them in case of a fire
Electric vehicles (EVs) are allowed on ferries, but there are some safety considerations and guidelines in place. For example, some ferry operators in Greece have introduced a charge limit for electric cars, with a maximum battery charge of 40% allowed. This is because batteries with high charge levels are believed to have a higher risk of fire and thermal runaway incidents. Similar restrictions apply to cars fuelled by LNG or CNG gas in Greece.
To ensure the safety of electric vehicles on ferries, operators may require drivers to self-identify their vehicles as electric during the booking process or before loading the vehicle onto the ferry. This helps operators understand the number of electric vehicles onboard and take necessary precautions. In addition, electric vehicles may be positioned under drenchers, on weather decks, or away from dangerous goods.
One reason electric vehicles are marked separately from standard cars on ferries is to distinguish them in case of a fire. Fires in electric vehicles can be challenging to extinguish and may require professional firefighters. Marking electric vehicles separately helps crew members quickly identify and respond to any issues.
Furthermore, electric vehicles have a different centre of gravity and are heavier than similarly-sized conventional vehicles, which should be considered in weight and stability calculations. In the event of a fire involving an electric vehicle's lithium-ion battery, only water supplied in large quantities can effectively cool the battery.
While the risk of fire in electric vehicles is not necessarily higher than in traditionally fuelled vehicles, the extinguishing process is more complex. This has led to discussions about improving crew training in fire-fighting techniques for electric vehicle fires, as well as potential changes to ferry design to allow more space around electric cars for easier control of fires.
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Ferries do not allow electric vehicles to be charged onboard
Electric vehicles are generally allowed on ferries, but there are some safety concerns and restrictions surrounding them. For instance, ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne do not allow electric vehicles to be charged onboard. This is because of the potential fire risk associated with electric vehicles. In the event of a fire, it can be challenging to extinguish it completely, and it may flare up again. As such, ferries operated by this company require electric vehicles to have no damage to the battery compartment, and if there is any, the vehicle cannot be shipped unless the battery is removed or it is 'certified as safe' for transport at sea.
Similarly, some ferry operators in Greece have introduced a charge limit for electric cars, with a maximum battery charge of 40%. This is in line with the European Maritime Safety Agency's (EMSA) guidance, which recommends that the state of charge for vehicles transported on PCTC vessels be between 20% and 50%. The Greek ministry of shipping and island policy has stated that batteries with high charge levels are more prone to fire and thermal runaway incidents.
While some ferry companies do not offer onboard charging, there are exceptions. For example, TT-Line's Green Ships offer charging stations on the loading decks of the Nils Holgersson and Peter Pan ferries. P&O Ferries also appear to have EV chargers onboard, although it is unclear if these are available for passenger use.
Overall, while electric vehicles are typically allowed on ferries, charging them onboard is often not permitted due to safety concerns. Ferry companies may also impose restrictions on the battery charge level of electric vehicles to mitigate the risk of fires.
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