Politics · Philippines Bureau
Third Philippine shipping line suspends electric vehicle transport
Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. has joined two other marine carriers in halting acceptance of electric and hybrid vehicles, citing safety concerns following a fire incident in early September.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. has suspended the acceptance and carriage of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) across its entire fleet, becoming the third major Philippine shipping operator to impose such restrictions.
The suspension, announced via advisory on September 18, follows heightened safety concerns in the maritime transport sector after a vessel bound for Palawan caught fire on September 9. The incident prompted industry-wide reassessment of protocols for transporting battery-powered vehicles at sea.
Starhorse's decision reflects growing unease among Philippine shipping lines regarding the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles during long ocean voyages. The company joins two other regional carriers that have already implemented similar transport bans in recent weeks.
The transport suspension remains in effect pending resolution of safety standards and operational procedures for EV and HEV shipments. No timeline has been announced for resumption of these services. Industry observers expect additional carriers may announce comparable measures as investigation into the September fire continues.