In view of the urgent need to address vehicle carrier fires, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) hosted an industry workshop on this matter in their London office. The event brought together all maritime stakeholders involved in the carriage of (electric) vehicles, IUMI was represented by Capt. Rahul Khanna of Allianz, Ricky Braz of Munich Re and Hendrike Kühl of the IUMI Secretariat.
Experts from shipping companies, insurers and P&I Clubs, ports, research institutes and industry associations discussed different aspects of this critical safety issue. The agenda included presentations on the development of electric vehicle (EV) sales by the International Energy Agency, a review of car carrier fires by Capt. Khanna of Allianz, an update on the regulatory developments at the IMO by Lional Sharon of ICS as well as insights into a vehicle carrier fire simulation by shipowner F. Laeisz and updates from Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) on lithium ion battery safety. In addition to the insights shared in the presentations, the participants discussed their views on the risks and challenges associated with the carriage of conventional and new energy vehicles. Different means for improved fire detection and extinguishing systems were also debated.
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to share views among the various stakeholders involved in the maritime transport of vehicles. These exchanges are important to facilitate collaboration for the development of risk mitigation measures which can be addressed in the current work ongoing at the IMO, but also outside of the regulatory framework for a faster application of prevention options which can improve safety onboard car carriers already today.
