Alaska Marine Lines stops shipping EVs due to perceived fire risks
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Alaska Marine Lines (AML) has announced it will no longer ship electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids to Alaska or Hawaii.
The decision follows a series of high-profile maritime incidents, including the catastrophic fire aboard the cargo ship Morning Midas, which sank off the coast of Alaska in June while carrying over 3,000 vehicles—among them 70 EVs and nearly 700 hybrids. Managed by Zodiac Maritime, the ship was en route from China to Mexico when smoke was first detected in the EV deck. Investigators believe the fire originated from lithium-ion batteries, which are difficult to extinguish once ignited due to thermal runaway—a chain reaction that causes batteries to overheat and release toxic gases.
The incident prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to issue new safety alerts and conduct emergency drills simulating EV fires aboard vessels. Lithium-ion battery fires have become a growing concern across transport sectors, with similar incidents reported in parking garages, highways, and warehouses.
AML’s decision to halt EV shipments is effective immediately for Central and Western Alaska and Hawaii, with Southeast Alaska following suit on September 1.
In a statement, AML cited the “increased complexity and fire risk” of transporting large lithium-ion batteries at sea. While non-plug-in hybrids and small recreational EVs like e-bikes will still be allowed, the move significantly limits access for remote communities that rely on barge shipments for vehicle transport.
Alaskans can still bring EVs via the Alaska Marine Highway System, but only two electric vehicles are permitted per sailing. Sam Dapcevich, spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Transportation, explained the risks:
“EV fires burn until they go out. You can’t extinguish them easily—you have to contain them.” Each ferry is equipped with two fire blankets designed to smother burning vehicles, and EVs are parked in isolated zones with extra clearance".
Illustration Credit:
In June 2025, the international cargo vessel Morning Midas erupted in flames and eventually sank in the waters off Alaska’s coast. Onboard were approximately 3,000 vehicles, including nearly 70 electric cars and close to 700 hybrids. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Further reading:
https://safety4sea.com/lithium-ion-batteries-fire-risks-and-loss-prevention-measures-in-shipping/