by Matson suspends transportation of electric vehicles
Matson, Inc., one of the main carriers for Hawaii and other regions of the Pacific Ocean, has temporarily stopped accepting new orders for the transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The decision was made after a fire on a cargo ship that destroyed thousands of cars, including 70 EVs and 681 hybrids.
Matson serves regions such as Alaska, Guam, and Micronesia, but the import of electric vehicles to the islands is now suspended. The company expressed concern about the safety of transporting vehicles with large lithium-ion batteries, despite having previously created a special team to address these issues.
“Due to increasing concern for the safety of transporting vehicles powered by large lithium-ion batteries, Matson is suspending acceptance of used or new electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) for transport aboard its vessels,”
Will EV transportation return?
There are currently about 37,000 electric vehicles registered in Hawaii, and demand for them continues to grow. Matson does not rule out that it may resume EV transportation in the future if safe standards for transporting lithium-ion batteries are developed. However, for now, buyers of electric vehicles will have to look for alternative delivery options or wait.
Matson’s vessels differ from specialized car carriers like the Morning Midas – they transport cars in separate containers, which complicates the detection and extinguishing of fires compared to open decks.
This situation highlights the complexity of transitioning to electric vehicles in regions that are heavily dependent on maritime transportation. Without reliable solutions for battery safety, the development of the EV market on the islands may slow down.
