Shipping firm bans EVs on board

MANILA, Philippines — Domestic shipping company Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. has banned the loading of electric and hybrid vehicles aboard its vessels following recent findings on the ferry MV June Aster, which caught fire off Coron, Palawan last week.

In a memorandum, Montenegro Shipping Lines cited that the initial investigation on the passenger ferry indicated that the explosion and fire may have originated from an electric vehicle.

The probe also showed that the fire originated from the cargo hold while witnesses said they first heard an explosion, followed by smoke and then fire.

“Effective immediately, all masters are hereby instructed not to allow any electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be boarded or carried onboard our vessels whether for passenger or cargo carriage,” the memorandum said.

It added that the measure is being implemented as a preventive safety precaution to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, thermal runaway and other potential hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicle batteries during vessel operations.

MV June Aster was reportedly carrying five motorcycles, one electric car, one forklift, one pickup van and essential goods such as rice and eggs.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported 77 fatalities, 43 survivors and eight missing passengers.

The PCG reactivated the Maritime Safety Investigation and Maritime Crime Investigation to determine those who are liable for the tragedy. — Bella Cariaso