KOH SAMUI — A ferry operator on Samui has announced a temporary ban on electric vehicles (EVs) on board ferries, citing the risk of fire due to batteries overheating. Another ferry company allows EVs under strict conditions.
The decision sparked a debate on the internet with mixed reactions. Supporters argued that although fires involving electric vehicles are rare, they are difficult to extinguish. “The operators have the right to choose, and the users can also decide,” said one commentator. Another said: “Prevention is better than disaster”
Opponents countered that any vehicle could catch fire in unsafe conditions, not just electric vehicles.
The announcement, issued on November 18, 2024 by Raja Ferry Port Public Company Limited, a major operator of the Don Sak–Samui route, suspended the EV service for passenger safety reasons as the batteries could potentially catch fire.
Seatran Ferry, another operator, still allows e-vehicles but requires owners to sign a declaration of risk. The company emphasizes that it is only liable for damage caused by employee negligence.
As Samui is served by two ferry operators, some tourism stakeholders expressed fears that the EV ban could affect vacation tourism revenue during the upcoming New Year vacation as EV users may choose alternative destinations.
Several high-profile EV fires on maritime vessels have heightened safety concerns. In July2023, the cargo ship Fremantle Highway fire off the Netherlands coast, which was carrying about 500 EVs, resulted in significant damage and renewed focus on maritime EV safety protocols. The incident led to multiple global ferry operators reassessing their EV transport policies.
In Norway, operators of fjord ferry services now mandate that EV owners declare their vehicle’s battery charge levels prior to boarding. Japanese maritime companies have taken a different approach, creating dedicated parking areas specifically for electric vehicles on their vessels.
Australian ferry services have introduced advanced safety protocols, requiring all EVs to undergo thermal scanning to detect potential battery issues before embarkation. Across Europe, several operators have established new parking regulations, requiring electric vehicles to be positioned in proximity to onboard fire suppression systems.
These varying approaches reflect the maritime industry’s ongoing efforts to balance the growing demand for EV transport with stringent safety requirements. Each solution addresses unique regional needs while maintaining core safety standards for maritime transport.
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