Electric Vehicles (EVs) Barred From Ships Following MV June Aster Tragedy
ELECTRIC VEHICLES – Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. has temporarily prohibited electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from being transported aboard its vessels following the deadly fire involving the MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan.
The domestic shipping company issued a memorandum directing its vessel masters to reject EVs and hybrid vehicles for both passenger and cargo transportation. The decision was described as a precautionary response to initial information from the investigation into the June Aster incident.
According to the company, preliminary findings indicated that the explosion and subsequent fire may have started from an electric vehicle. The blaze reportedly began in the vessel’s cargo area, with witnesses saying they heard an explosion before seeing smoke and flames.
“Effective immediately, all masters are hereby instructed not to allow any electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be boarded or carried onboard our vessels whether for passenger or cargo carriage,” the memorandum said.
Montenegro Shipping Lines said the restriction is intended to reduce possible dangers linked to EV and hybrid batteries, including fire, explosions and thermal runaway, a condition in which a battery can rapidly heat up and potentially trigger further damage.
The MV June Aster was reportedly carrying several vehicles and other cargo when the tragedy occurred. Its cargo included five motorcycles, an electric car, a forklift and a pickup truck, along with basic goods such as rice and eggs.
The Philippine Coast Guard has reported that 77 people died in the incident, while 43 survived and eight others remained missing.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the maritime disaster. The PCG has reactivated both its Maritime Safety Investigation and Maritime Crime Investigation units as part of efforts to establish what caused the fire and determine possible accountability.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy and other government agencies are assessing existing safety protocols for transporting electric and hybrid vehicles by sea. Authorities stressed that the investigation into the MV June Aster fire is still underway, and no conclusive findings have yet confirmed that the electric vehicle onboard was responsible for the incident.
For now, Montenegro’s prohibition remains in effect as the company and authorities assess the safety risks associated with transporting battery-powered vehicles on domestic vessels.
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