Montenegro Shipping Bans EVs, Hybrids After Palawan Ferry Fire

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Citing safety fears sparked by the fatal sea mishap last week in Palawan, ferry giant Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MSLI) has banned all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from boarding its ships, including those plying the critical Calapan–Batangas route. The carrier stated the prohibition covers both passengers and cargo vehicles. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the potential for lithium-ion batteries in EVs and HEVs to undergo thermal runaway when ignited, leading to uncontrollable fires. The Palawan incident, which resulted in fatalities, starkly highlighted the risks associated with fires on vessels. MSLI emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew is its top priority and described the ban as a precautionary measure. With increasing environmental awareness and government incentives for EV adoption in the Philippines, the number of EV and HEV owners has been on the rise, particularly in urban areas seeking alternatives to high fuel prices and stricter emission standards. MSLI's move may pose temporary challenges for domestic EV/HEV owners and businesses relying on these vehicles for transport. The lack of established, uniform guidelines for the safe transport of EVs and HEVs across the Philippine maritime industry appears to have prompted this individual company's decision. It remains to be seen whether other shipping lines will follow suit or if the industry will move towards revising its safety standards.