Risk Focus: Safe Carriage of Vehicle Cargoes

The carriage of vehicles on board PCCs, PCTCs, Ro‑Ro and Ro‑Pax ships presents a range of both established and emerging risks. Vessel design characteristics, combined with high cargo volumes and narrow operating margins, mean that incidents involving fire, loss of stability or cargo movement can escalate rapidly if not effectively managed.

Recent casualties continue to highlight the vulnerability of vehicle carriers to fires originating on vehicle decks, as well as to stability-related incidents. The growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles in transit introduces further complexity, particularly due to the unique behaviour of lithium-ion battery fires and the operational challenges associated with detection, firefighting and emergency response.

This Risk Focus provides practical, experience-led guidance for shipowners, operators and crew engaged in the carriage of vehicle cargoes. It draws on casualty experience, current industry best practice and evolving regulatory requirements.

This Risk Focus covers:

• The principal risks associated with vehicle carriage, including fire and loss of stability
• The specific challenges posed by electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles
• Case studies of fire and stability incidents involving vehicle carriers and Ro‑Ro ships
• Fire detection, monitoring and firefighting considerations on vehicle decks
• Emergency response and incident management, both at sea and alongside
• Stability considerations, including cargo stowage and securing practices
• Crew training and operational preparedness

This document was produced in collaboration between UK P&I, TT Club, Solis Marine Consultants, and REACT.