New Research Highlights EV Fire Risks With Implications for Maritime Safety Protocols

## New Research Highlights EV Fire Risks With Implications for Maritime Safety Protocols UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute has published a new evidence-based report examining the burning characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, with findings that maritime safety professionals and port operators would do well to study closely. Released on 4 August 2026, the report evaluates common fire suppression techniques and measures contamination levels across air, surface, water, and fire equipment — providing some of the most detailed empirical data yet available on EV fire behaviour. The research also includes tactical guidance specifically developed for firefighters responding to EV incidents. ### Why This Matters for the Maritime Sector The maritime industry has faced mounting pressure to address the risks posed by EV cargo following a series of high-profile vehicle carrier fires in recent years. Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, capable of reigniting hours or even days after initial suppression, and produce toxic gases that pose serious risks to crew members in enclosed spaces such as car decks and cargo holds. Port terminals handling roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) are particularly exposed. As global EV adoption accelerates, the volume of battery-powered vehicles moving through the maritime supply chain continues to rise sharply, intensifying the urgency for evidence-based fire response protocols. ### Key Research Areas According to UL Research Institutes, the study examined: - **Burning characteristics** of EVs versus conventional petrol and diesel vehicles - **Comparative suppression techniques**, assessing the effectiveness of water, foam, and other agents - **Contamination measurement** across air quality, surface residue, water runoff, and fire-fighting equipment - **Tactical considerations** for first responders, including guidance on approach distances and personal protective equipment ### Industry Context The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and classification societies including Lloyd's Register and DNV have been actively developing updated guidance on the carriage of EVs at sea. Several flag states have introduced interim measures requiring enhanced fire detection systems and revised emergency response procedures for vessels carrying significant numbers of battery-electric vehicles. The UL Research Institutes report adds a valuable layer of empirical evidence to an area where practical data has historically been limited. Maritime safety officers, vessel operators, and port emergency response teams are encouraged to review the findings as part of ongoing efforts to update fire response plans and crew training programmes. The full report is available through UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute.