Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to review legislation and guidance designed to (i) prevent fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) on ferries and ships and (ii) mitigate risks arising from fires involving EVs on ferries and ships.

Fire safety, including electric vehicle (EV) fire safety, on ferries and ships is kept under continuous review by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The MCA work closely with the Government, industry and international organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation on this issue.

There is no evidence to suggest that fires in EVs are more likely to occur than in petrol or diesel vehicles. International testing of EV fire scenarios found that the water-drench fire suppression systems installed on vehicle decks of UK roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries, and international Ro-Ro vessels serving the UK, are capable of containing EV fires. These systems can extinguish combustible materials common to all vehicle types while containing battery fires and thermal runaway incidents.

Additionally, the MCA, is engaging in work regarding the safety of vehicle transporter ships, known as Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs).