Please notice the updated ‘Guidance on the carriage of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) in Ro-Ro spaces of Cargo and Passender ships’. We would especially draw our customers attention to the following related to shipment of Electric Vehicles and Gas Vehicles:
- Electric Vehicles: Where a lithium battery installed in a vehicle is damaged or defective, the battery shall be removed. If the battery is not removed, the vehicle should not be accepted for transport. A removed damaged battery should be transported in accordance with the provisions of SP376 of Chapter 3.3 of the IMDG Code. If an electric vehicle is found damaged but it is unclear if the battery is damaged the recommendation is to apply this provision and not accept it for transport.
- Gas Vehicles: Vehicles powered by a flammable gas (liquefied or compressed) shall not be subject to the provision of the IMDG Code only if the vehicles are stowed on the vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces or on the weather deck of a ro-ro ship or a cargo space designated by the Administration (flag State) in accordance with SOLAS 74, chapter II-2, regulation 20 as specifically designed and approved for the carriage of vehicles, and there are no signs of leakage from the compressed gas cylinder or accumulator, or the fuel tank(s) are empty and the positive pressure in the tank does not exceed 2 bar, the fuel shut-off or isolation valve is closed and secured, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit. With sufficient holding time (the time it will take before the pressure release valve will open) the LNG vehicle is not liable to produce flammable gases or vapours and therefore should be accepted for transport. The holding time can be determined by using a chart available from the car manufacturer after taking readings of fuel tank level and pressure from the vehicle. It can also be considered if this can be simplified by a method established using only tank pressure.
Following that, all AFVs should only be allowed onboard if they comply with the provisions of the IMDG Code. Particular attention should be paid to the following:
- If there is suspicion that the battery of EVs is damaged or their battery is defective, they should only be allowed onboard if the battery is removed;
- Gas Vehicles are only allowed if they are free from any leakages of fuel/gases.
Based on the above mentioned information, we as a carrier will not accept any Electric Vehicles or Gas Vehicles onboard if they have any visual signs of damage. Please note that we will keep you fully liable for any damages or losses that may arise in case of breach of these restrictions.
Our crew will refuse your Electrical or Gas vehicle from driving onboard in case they have suspicions that the vehicle is damaged. The crew’s decision is non-negotiable and you accept full risk and all related additional costs.
Should you have any questions, please contact your Stena Line Freight representative.