ClassNK awards first-ever notation for safe transportation of EVs to MOL’s car carrier “CERULEAN ACE”
MOL’s LNG-Fueled Car Carrier Recognized for Advanced Fire Safety Measures for EV Transport
ClassNK has awarded its “AFVC (Additional Fire-Fighting measures for Vehicle Carrier)” notations to the “CERULEAN ACE,” an LNG-fueled car carrier operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and managed by MOL Ship Management Co., Ltd. This vessel, equipped with enhanced firefighting systems for transporting electric vehicles (EVs), is the first in the ClassNK registry to receive these notations. The recognition highlights a pioneering approach in the maritime industry, acknowledging a shipping company’s voluntary and customized efforts to ensure the safe transport of EVs.
Addressing the unique challenges posed by EV fires, which are difficult to extinguish and prone to re-ignition, ClassNK has established “Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles.” These guidelines offer detailed insights into the characteristics of EV fires and outline appropriate response strategies. ClassNK has developed five distinct “AFVC” notations based on various safety measures, which shipping companies can adopt to enhance fire safety on their vessels.
The “CERULEAN ACE” has been confirmed to meet the criteria for three of the five available notations: FD (Fire Detection), FF (Fire Fighting), and EFF (Enhanced Fixed Fire-extinguishing System). Specifically, the FD notation was granted due to the installation of a system that uses artificial intelligence to monitor images from onboard cameras, sending alarms to both the crew and the onshore management team when abnormalities are detected, enabling earlier fire detection.
ClassNK continues to support the maritime industry’s efforts to safely transport EVs by developing and applying rigorous standards and evaluations.
