Business · Philippines Bureau
Island Water bans electric, hybrid vehicles from passenger ferries
Island Water becomes the second Philippine shipping company to prohibit electric and hybrid vehicles on passenger vessels following an ongoing investigation into a deadly September fire. The ban comes amid concerns over battery-related safety risks at sea.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Island Water has implemented an immediate prohibition on electric vehicles and hybrid cars aboard its passenger vessels, marking the second major carrier to impose such restrictions in the Philippines.
The ban follows a continuing investigation into an alleged battery explosion that sparked a catastrophic fire aboard a passenger ferry bound for Coron on September 9. The maritime disaster claimed 77 lives and prompted heightened scrutiny of vehicle transportation policies on Philippine inter-island routes.
Authorities have focused their inquiry on whether lithium-ion batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles may have contributed to the fire's rapid spread and intensity. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols governing the transport of vehicles powered by rechargeable battery systems on Philippine waters.
The shipping company's action reflects growing caution within the maritime industry regarding the risks posed by modern battery technology in confined vessel environments. Officials have not yet concluded their formal investigation into the September incident, but preliminary findings have prompted several carriers to reassess their cargo policies.
Industry observers expect additional shipping companies may announce similar vehicle restrictions as safety reviews continue across the region's passenger ferry fleet.