Matson Suspends EV Shipments: Fire Risk and Global Import Implications

By EVWorld Si

Matson, a primary U.S. vehicle carrier serving the Pacific and West Coast regions, has temporarily suspended the transport of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due to escalating concerns over fires involving lithium-ion batteries. This move follows several high-profile incidents aboard roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships, most recently involving the Morning Midas in the North Pacific.

What Happened

On June 3, the Morning Midas caught fire roughly 300 nautical miles southwest of Adak Island, Alaska. The ship was carrying around 3,000 vehicles, including 70 EVs and over 600 hybrids. Smoke was first detected on a deck loaded with electric vehicles. Despite firefighting efforts, the crew was forced to abandon ship. The vessel ultimately sank.

This is the third major fire event on a Ro-Ro vessel involving EVs. Previous incidents include the Fremantle Highway in 2023 and the Felicity Ace in 2022. In both cases, lithium-ion battery involvement was suspected, raising red flags across the maritime and auto logistics industries.

Why Matson Is Concerned

Matson cited the difficulty in managing lithium-ion fires at sea. These fires can escalate rapidly through thermal runaway and are resistant to traditional firefighting systems. Ro-Ro ships, with their tightly packed car decks and limited access, present additional risks. Matson had implemented safety measures, including thermal imaging and specialized firefighting tools, but concluded that existing protocols remain inadequate for fully loaded EV shipments.

Implications for Global EV Imports

• Island markets like Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska may experience delays or require re-routing of EV shipments.
• Shipping insurance costs are expected to rise, adding to the price of imported EVs.
• Carriers may shift to containerized transport or adopt stricter safety protocols, such as charging limits and dedicated EV zones.
• International regulatory agencies, including the IMO and PHMSA, are reviewing safety guidelines for lithium battery cargoes aboard ocean-going vessels.

Bottom Line for EVWorld Readers

Matson’s decision is a signal to the broader EV and logistics industries that maritime transport safety needs to catch up with the pace of electrification. While rare, battery fires at sea are serious and pose logistical, financial, and environmental risks. Until improved safety protocols and firefighting technologies are adopted, EV imports—especially by Ro-Ro—may face increasing scrutiny, regulation, and cost.

Sources

• https://www.automotivelogistics.media/vehicle-logistics/pacific-shipper-matson-halts-transport-of-evs-over-fire-safety-concerns/646457
• https://apnews.com/article/5eec64f6bad760cf3ebbb4c810f78b68
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Fremantle_Highway
• https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2025-07-18/matson-stops-shipping-electric-vehicles-to-hawaii
• https://gcaptain.com/matson-suspends-electric-vehicle-shipments-over-battery-fire-concerns/

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