Electric vehicles banned from Alaska barges – what this means for remote communities
Iain Hoey
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New shipping restrictions announced by Alaska Marine Lines
Alaska Marine Lines has confirmed it will no longer transport electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids to Alaska and Hawaii.
According to Alaska Marine Lines, the decision is linked to safety risks from transporting large lithium-ion batteries at sea.
The company stated that the policy applies immediately to Central Alaska, Western Alaska, and Hawaii, and will take effect for Southeast Alaska on 1 September 2025.
Hybrid vehicles that do not require charging, as well as gas and diesel vehicles, will continue to be accepted.
The company explained that while battery-related incidents remain rare, the difficulty of extinguishing or containing fires on board vessels led to the policy review.
Safety risks from lithium-ion batteries at sea
Alaska Marine Lines reported that fire risk was the main factor behind the new shipping rules.
The company stated that lithium-ion fires at sea are challenging to control, as water and conventional extinguishing systems are not effective in stopping thermal runaway.
It added that employee and equipment safety were central to the decision.
Alaska Marine Lines spokesperson Ryan Dixon said the company would continue to reassess the ban as industry standards and procedures evolve.
The company confirmed that smaller electric recreational vehicles, such as e-bikes and four-wheelers, remain permitted under current rules.
Impact on access to electric vehicles in Alaska
Alaska Marine Lines said its decision limits transport options for communities in Southeast Alaska, where electric vehicles have become more popular.
According to the company, the policy change does not prevent Alaskans from using ferries to bring in electric vehicles, but ferry availability is limited.
The Alaska Marine Highway System currently allows only two electric vehicles per sailing.
This cap could slow the movement of vehicles into communities off the road system.
Communities that had begun adopting electric vehicles may now face additional barriers to ownership.
Alaska Marine Highway System policies and precautions
Alaska Department of Transportation spokesperson Sam Dapcevich explained that state ferries have procedures in place to manage the risks of carrying electric vehicles.
Dapcevich said: “EV fires, I believe, kind of burn until they go out, and so you have to kind of contain them. Each vessel has two specialized blankets on board that can be thrown over a vehicle, and it sort of smothers it.
“We also have a policy to park those vehicles in a specific location on the ship, and we provide extra room around them for the possibility of needing to fight the fire.”
Dapcevich added that toxic fumes from a battery fire create further risks.
He said: “It’s the toxic fumes, and you’re in an enclosed space, and they can travel into through the ventilation system in the vessel.
“They can travel into passenger spaces, and so it’s just a very dangerous situation to have an EV fire on a boat. And that’s part of why we limit it.”
Recent maritime fire incidents involving electric vehicles
In June 2025, a cargo vessel carrying more than 3,000 vehicles caught fire southwest of Adak.
According to reports, the ship included nearly 700 hybrids and around 70 fully electric vehicles.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that all crew members were rescued.
It added that attempts to contain the fire were limited due to the battery hazards on board.
The vessel continued burning for several days before sinking.
Alaska Marine Lines future reassessment of the policy
Alaska Marine Lines spokesperson Ryan Dixon stated that the company would review its decision as industry practices change.
Dixon said the company may adjust its stance once safer standards for shipping electric vehicles at sea are established.
Until then, the company confirmed that only non-plug-in hybrids, petrol, diesel, and small electric recreational vehicles will be shipped.
Customers moving electric vehicles by ferry are advised to notify operators when booking.
Alaska Marine Lines said this policy aims to protect crews and maintain vessel safety until new procedures are proven effective.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The policy reflects wider concerns about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries at sea.
It highlights the challenges faced by shipping companies in balancing safety and service availability.
The case underlines the role of operational policy in risk reduction, as well as the reliance on developing technology and procedures to mitigate hazards.
It also points to the importance of coordination between shipping firms, ferry services, and regulators in managing the transport of electric vehicles safely.
Alaska Marine Lines stops shipping electric vehicles to Alaska and Hawaii: Summary
Alaska Marine Lines has stopped shipping electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids to Alaska and Hawaii.
The company cited safety risks from lithium-ion battery fires at sea.
The new policy is effective immediately for Central and Western Alaska and Hawaii.
The change will apply to Southeast Alaska on 1 September 2025.
Hybrid vehicles that do not plug in, and petrol and diesel vehicles, are still accepted.
Smaller electric recreational vehicles, such as e-bikes, remain permitted.
The Alaska Marine Highway System continues to accept a maximum of two electric vehicles per sailing.
The system uses fire blankets and spacing measures to manage risks.
In June 2025, a cargo vessel carrying more than 3,000 vehicles, including 70 fully electric, burned for days before sinking.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed all crew were rescued.
Alaska Marine Lines spokesperson Ryan Dixon said the company will reassess the ban as industry standards improve.
The company said the policy prioritises the safety of crews and vessels.