Urgent Shipping Update: Matson Suspends EV Shipments Over Lithium Battery Safety Concerns
Publish Time: 2025-07-23 Origin: Site
Key Details
Immediate Ban:
Effective immediately, no new bookings for EVs/hybrids across all routes.
Applies to both new and used vehicles, including containerized auto shipments.
Safety Triggers:
64% of 28 global lithium battery incidents (2020–2024) involved EVs.
Recent disasters:
Morning Midas (June 2025 sinking, EV-heavy cargo)
Fremantle Highway (2023), Felicity Ace (2022), Sincerity Ace (2018).
Why Matson Acted First?
Ro-Ro vs. Container Risks:
Matson ships cars in containers (unlike roll-on/roll-off carriers), making:
Battery monitoring harder
Fire response more limited
? Prior Safety Efforts:
Formed EV Safety Task Force with external experts.
Developed protocols:
Onshore battery handling checklists
Shipboard fire suppression procedures
Industry Impact & Outlook
Short-Term Disruptions:
Affects Hawaii, Guam, Alaska routes (Matson’s core auto trade).
Other carriers may follow (e.g., Pasha Hawaii under scrutiny).
? Resumption Conditions:
Requires industry-wide lithium safety standards + Matson’s approval.
No estimated timeline for service restoration.
Recommendations
?? For Shippers/Forwarders:
Switch to Ro-Ro carriers (if feasible; higher costs expected).
Verify lithium battery certifications for non-auto cargo.
Monitor updates from IMO and class societies (e.g., DNV, ABS).