Montenegro Shipping bans electric and hybrid vehicles after fatal Palawan ferry fire

Montenegro Shipping Lines (MSLI) has implemented an immediate ban on all electric and hybrid electric vehicles boarding its ferries. The directive applies to both passenger and cargo vehicles across all company routes, including the Calapan-Batangas crossing. Crew members have been instructed to inspect every vehicle to prevent the boarding of prohibited units.

The company stated the measure is a safety precaution to “minimize the risk of fire, explosion, thermal runaway and other potential hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicle batteries during vessel operation.”

The ban follows a fatal fire on September 9 aboard the MV June Aster, a vessel operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, off Coron, Palawan. The tragedy resulted in 77 deaths and left 8 people missing. While the cargo manifest for the MV June Aster included an electric vehicle, the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) noted that ongoing investigations have not yet confirmed if the vehicle caused the blaze.

The DOE is currently coordinating with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to review and potentially update existing rules and regulations regarding the transport of electric vehicles on vessels.