Risks of evacuation on vehicle carriers during fires

ClassNK has issued new guidance to assist in the safe evacuation of crew members from vehicle carriers during cargo hold fires.

The organisation has also introduced the world’s first notation, AMEVC(EV)*1, for vessels equipped with additional evacuation measures.

According to ClassNK, vehicle carriers typically have life-saving equipment and accommodation areas located above the cargo holds.

Ventilation ducts for the holds are often near these spaces. This design can result in smoke and flames affecting critical evacuation routes, complicating crew safety during fires.

Collaboration to identify risks and solutions

ClassNK collaborated with shipping companies and shipyards to assess evacuation challenges.

The findings are detailed in the publication Risk Assessment related to the Safe Escape from a Car Carrier.

The document highlights various risks, such as thermal effects, and proposes countermeasures.

These include spraying water on decks, installing thermal insulation under lifeboats, and placing evacuation equipment on forward mooring decks.

ClassNK has also outlined requirements for vessel-specific evacuation measures to meet the new notation standards.

Comprehensive guidelines for EV transportation

ClassNK has updated its Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles (Edition 2.0).

The first edition focused on electric vehicle (EV) fire characteristics and measures to detect and prevent fire spread.

The latest version introduces additional insights into safe evacuation, expanding the document’s scope.

These updates aim to enhance vessel safety standards during EV transportation.

Establishing standards for maritime safety

ClassNK stated that these efforts contribute to improving the safe maritime transport of electric vehicles.

The organisation’s guidelines provide detailed standards and certification criteria to support vessel operators and crews.

Both publications, Risk Assessment related to the Safe Escape from a Car Carrier and Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles (Edition 2.0), are available on the ClassNK website.

ClassNK publishes guidance and first notation for safe vehicle carrier evacuation: summary

ClassNK has released guidance addressing evacuation safety on vehicle carriers during cargo hold fires, citing the challenges posed by vessel layouts.

A new notation, AMEVC(EV)*1, has been introduced for ships implementing additional evacuation measures.

In collaboration with industry stakeholders, ClassNK identified risks such as thermal effects and proposed solutions including water spraying systems and thermal insulation under lifeboats.

ClassNK also updated its guidelines for transporting electric vehicles, incorporating insights on evacuation safety alongside fire response measures.

The publications aim to establish clear standards to improve maritime transport safety for EVs and vehicle carriers.

Both documents are accessible on the ClassNK website.