Matson Suspends Electric Vehicle Shipments Due to Lithium Battery Fire Risks

Major shipping line halts EV and hybrid car transport citing safety concerns over lithium-ion battery hazards

Breaking News: Matson Lines Stops EV Shipping Operations

Matson Navigation Company, one of the largest shipping lines serving the Pacific region, announced last Thursday the immediate suspension of electric vehicle and hybrid car shipments across all its routes. The decision comes amid growing safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fire risks during ocean transport.

The electric vehicle shipping suspension affects both new and used EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles traveling between the US mainland, Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. This move has caught customers and the automotive industry off guard, as Matson provides critical transportation services for both businesses and individuals in these markets.

Immediate Impact on Pacific Region Transportation

In a letter to customers, Matson shipping company stated: "Due to increasing concerns about the safety of transporting vehicles powered by large lithium-ion batteries, Matson is suspending acceptance of used or new electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles for transport on its vessels. Effective immediately, we have stopped accepting new bookings for such cargo on all routes."

The Hawaii electric vehicle market will be significantly impacted, with over 37,000 registered EVs currently in the state according to the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association. While specific numbers for Guam weren't released, local dealers expressed disappointment with Matson's decision, emphasizing that electric vehicles are well-suited for island driving conditions.

Safety Concerns Drive Shipping Policy Changes

The lithium battery shipping risks that prompted this decision are not unfounded. Recent maritime incidents have highlighted the dangers of transporting electric vehicles by sea:

• Morning Midas car carrier fire and sinking near the Aleutian Islands, carrying EVs and hybrids
• Fremantle Highway fire in 2023
• Felicity Ace sinking in 2022

These incidents represent at least three major accidents linked to electric vehicle fire hazards in maritime transport, prompting industry-wide reviews of safety protocols.

Matson's Previous Safety Initiatives

Before this suspension, Matson container shipping had developed comprehensive safety measures for lithium battery transport. The company established an Electric Vehicle Safe Transport Working Group and participated in external working groups focused on EV and lithium battery safety.

Implemented Safety Protocols Include:

Onshore Procedures:

• Review processes for lithium battery handling
• Waste battery shipment inventories
• Enhanced inspection protocols

Vessel Operations:

• Proper loading procedures for electric vehicles
• Temperature monitoring using thermal imaging cameras
• Deployment of Viking HydroPen fire suppression systems
• Container fire prevention and response procedures

The Viking fire suppression system represents advanced maritime fire safety technology, designed to replace traditional fine water mist guns and capable of drilling into containers for firefighting.

Industry-Wide Implications for EV Transport

This electric vehicle transport ban by Matson reflects broader challenges facing the shipping industry as EV adoption accelerates globally. The decision particularly affects:

• Auto dealers importing electric vehicles to Pacific islands
• Individual customers relocating with EVs
• Commercial fleets operating electric vehicles in Hawaii and Guam

Container vs. Car Carrier Risk Factors

Matson's situation presents unique challenges compared to traditional car carrier vessels. While car carriers load vehicles in large, garage-like spaces allowing better monitoring, Matson transports vehicles in containers, creating additional risks:

• Limited ability to monitor vehicle conditions during transport
• Container fire risks with reduced access for emergency response
• Confined spaces that can intensify lithium battery thermal runaway events

Future of Electric Vehicle Shipping

In their customer communication, Matson logistics emphasized their continued support for industry efforts to develop comprehensive standards for maritime lithium-ion battery transport. The company stated: "Matson continues to support industry efforts to develop comprehensive standards and procedures to address the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries at sea and plans to resume acceptance of these vehicles when appropriate safety solutions that meet our requirements can be implemented."

Industry Response and Market Impact

The Pacific shipping market now faces significant disruption as alternative transportation solutions become necessary. Other shipping lines serving the Pacific region may face increased demand, potentially leading to:

• Higher shipping costs for electric vehicles
• Extended waiting times for EV transport
• Pressure on competitors to review their own safety protocols

Looking Ahead: EV Shipping Safety Standards

This development underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electric vehicle maritime safety standards. Industry stakeholders are working to address:

• Standardized lithium battery handling procedures
• Enhanced fire suppression technologies
• Improved monitoring systems for container shipments
• Emergency response protocols specific to EV fires

The Matson EV suspension represents a significant moment in the evolution of electric vehicle logistics, highlighting the complex safety challenges that must be resolved as the automotive industry transitions to electrification.

As the shipping industry adapts to the growing electric vehicle market, the balance between safety and service will continue to evolve. Customers and industry observers will be watching closely to see how quickly comprehensive solutions can be developed and implemented.