Another shipping firm bans EVs, hybrids on passenger vessels

CALAPAN CITY — A second sea travel company has prohibited its vessels from ferrying electric vehicles amidst ongoing investigations into an alleged explosion that ignited the September 9 fire that engulfed a Coron-bound ship and killed 77 of its passengers. 

Island Water has imposed an immediate ban on hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs) on all its passenger ships, citing safety concerns over high-capacity vehicle batteries and alternative powertrain technologies.

READ: Shipping giant bans EVs, hybrids after Palawan ferry fire

Article continues after this advertisement

The ban took effect on Sept. 17, according to a memorandum issued by Shogun Ships Co., Inc., the company operating Island Water. Under Memorandum No. IW-MEMO-091726, the company ordered its fleet to stop accepting hybrid and fully electric vehicles for transport until further notice.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Ferry operator Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MSLI) had earlier issued the same directive in a September 16 memo that was circulated. 

Island Water said the measure was adopted as a precaution based on marine safety standards and risk management considerations involving alternative vehicle powertrains and high-capacity battery systems.

The company said the policy was intended to protect passengers, crew members and cargo during sea travel.

Island Water directed its booking and ticketing personnel to verify vehicle classifications before accepting reservations.

Article continues after this advertisement

Security personnel and loading marshals at the ports were also instructed to inspect vehicles before boarding and to deny entry to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Motorists were advised to check their vehicle classifications before proceeding to the port to spare them delays should they be denied access to ferries./coa