SeaLink electric vehicle safety measures in place after alarming AMSA warning

Car barge operators in Moreton Bay say they already have electric vehicle protocols in place after an alarming warning from Australian’s marine safety watchdog this week.

A truck gets off a car barge at Redland Bay barge terminal. Picture: Judith Kerr

Car barge operators in Moreton Bay say they have adapted their electric vehicle procedures after an alarming warning from Australian’s marine safety watchdog this week.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority issued a safety alert to operators of “roll-on, roll-off” (ro-ro) vessels, outlining the dangers of transporting electric vehicles on barges and listing a set of safety requirements.

But SeaLink, which runs barges to North Stradbroke Island and four southern Moreton Bay islands, said it already had specific loading and transporting requirements in place for EVs and passengers would not be affected.

“SeaLink has been actively working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to ensure our operating practices comply with safety obligations,” the barge operator said.

“This includes managing specific loading and transporting requirements for all car types including electric vehicles.

“As is normal practice, we will continually review our safety systems to ensure we are managing all risks and will look at, and adopt, practices that ensure the safety of passengers, crew and our vessels.”

Cars on the barge to North Stradbroke Island. Picture: SeaLink

The AMSA recommendations, updated on November 2, urged car barge operators to segregate electric vehicles from internal combustion engines in designated open areas.

EVs should also be parked on deck with easy access to shore-based emergency services and close to firefighting equipment but away from passengers.

Car barges ply waters between Redland Bay, Cleveland, Dunwich and the southern Moreton Bay islands. Picture: The Courier-Mail

“Operators of vessels that have enclosed, or partially enclosed vehicle decks should … take into account the risks of toxic and potentially explosive gases released during fires,” the alert said.

“Operators should consider not stowing electric vehicles in enclosed or partially enclosed vehicle decks, unless the vessel is fitted with a water drenching system to help control fires.”

The guidelines also suggested boat operators use CCTV cameras with thermal imagining to check for higher temperatures, known as “thermal runaway”, coming from an electric vehicle.

The alert said hydrogen fluoride fumes given off by a lithium-ion battery fire were toxic and potentially explosive.

The advice also said damaged EVs should not be loaded and all electric vehicles should be clearly marked so boat crew could easily identify them.