Morning Midas Blaze Highlights Concerns of EV Fires At Sea

The Morning Midas, a Liberian-flagged car carrier, reportedly remains afloat and continues to emit heavy smoke after a fire broke out onboard on June 3 in the Pacific Ocean.

The vessel, reportedly a massive car carrier type built in 2006 hauling over 3,000 vehicles, was reportedly last located approximately 480 KM Southwest of Adak Island, Alaska.

According to a June 5 update from managers Zodiac Maritime, recent US Coast Guard overflight images confirmed smoke is still pouring out from the vessel. Zodiac has appointed Resolve Marine to lead the salvage and firefighting efforts.

A tug carrying a team of salvage experts and specialised equipment are en route and expected to reach the Morning Midas around June 9. Another firefighting tug, capable of ocean towage, is also being arranged. Due to the vessel’s remote location, response times are expected to take several days.

Zodiac said it continues to monitor the abandoned vessel via satellite-connected onboard systems, but noted that monitoring capabilities are limited under the circumstances.

The fire began on June 3 where the crew who initially attempted to control the blaze used the ship’s onboard fire suppression systems. Despite their efforts, the fire proved too intense, and the crew made the decision to abandon the vessel for their safety.

All 22 crew members were evacuated into lifeboats and later rescued by the nearby vessel Cosco Hellas.

Amongst the vehicles the vessel is laden with were 70 fully electric vehicles (EVs) and 861 hybrids. An earlier statement from Zodiac indicated that the fire originated on a deck carrying EVs.

The vessel was en route to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico when the fire broke out. Fires involving electric and hybrid vehicles, especially those powered by lithium-ion batteries, have become a growing concern for the shipping industry and insurers - difficulty to control and suppress.

Zodiac said it remains in close coordination with the authorities and emergency responders to ensure the safety of personnel and to protect the marine environment. For now the situation remains under active monitoring as salvage operations prepare to begin in the coming days.

Source: Seatrade-Maritime