Safe Practices for Electric Vehicle Transportation by Sea
4 April 2024
Electric Vehicle Transportation by sea is becoming increasingly important as the demand for EVs rises globally. These vehicles have emerged as a promising solution to environmental concerns and reducing reliance on fossil fuels in transportation. Their eco-friendly nature and increasing popularity mean they’re now a common sight on roads worldwide. However, despite their benefits, like lower emissions and reduced noise pollution, it’s crucial to understand that EVs come with unique safety considerations during transport, particularly maritime. Developing safe practices for transporting these vehicles is crucial due to the powerful batteries and advanced electrical systems they possess.
Transporting EVs by ships requires close attention and strict safety protocols. Unlike conventional vehicles with fuel-powered engines, EVs possess powerful batteries and advanced electrical systems. Mishandling or inadequate securing during transit can pose serious risks, including short circuits, overheating, and fires, potentially causing significant damage to the vessel, environmental hazards, and, most importantly, loss of life.
To address these safety concerns and ensure the secure transport of electric vehicles, innovative solutions such as the iStow feature have been developed. iStow represents a technological advancement designed specifically to enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime transport, with a particular focus on electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles in load plan (2024). Foto: Pranala Digital Transmaritim
How iStow Support the Safe EV Transport Process?
In compliance with guidelines from ClassNK, EMSA, AMSA, and the British Maritime Coastguard, iStow introduces a new feature related to stowage. Each electric vehicle is assigned a unique identifier, enabling visibility of their locations on board, thus ensuring enhanced safety throughout the voyage.
Furthermore, iStow helps organize EVs within the ship, considering factors such as weight distribution, battery safety, and accessibility for maintenance or emergencies. By strategically positioning EVs within the stowage plan, potential risks associated with their transport can be minimized while maximizing onboard space utilization.
Here are some tips for safely operating electric vehicles during sea voyages:
- Ensure EVs are completely powered down and securely fastened before loading.
- Regularly inspect the condition of the electric vehicle’s battery and electrical systems to ensure there is no malfunction.
- Maintain clear communication and follow established safety protocols for EV transport and emergencies.
- In the event of any emergencies involving electric vehicles, don’t panic and follow protocols for responding effectively and minimizing risks to personnel and property.
Electric vehicles offer a greener future but require special care during sea transport. Safe handling minimizes risks like fire and damage, ensuring smooth operations and environmental protection.
Innovative solutions like iStow, a smart system for tracking and stowing EVs on ships, optimize safety and efficiency. By following established safety protocols, we can ensure a smooth journey for both vehicles and crew.
Read this article in LinkedIn