Urgent Shipping Update: Matson Suspends EV Shipments Over Lithium Battery Safety Concerns

Key Details

Immediate Ban:

• Effective immediately, no new bookings for EVs/hybrids across all routes.

• Applies to both new and used vehicles, including containerized auto shipments.

Safety Triggers:

• 64% of 28 global lithium battery incidents (2020–2024) involved EVs.

• Recent disasters:

• Morning Midas (June 2025 sinking, EV-heavy cargo)

• Fremantle Highway (2023), Felicity Ace (2022), Sincerity Ace (2018).

Why Matson Acted First?

Ro-Ro vs. Container Risks:

• Matson ships cars in containers (unlike roll-on/roll-off carriers), making:

• Battery monitoring harder

• Fire response more limited

️ Prior Safety Efforts:

• Formed EV Safety Task Force with external experts.

• Developed protocols:

• Onshore battery handling checklists

• Shipboard fire suppression procedures

Industry Impact & Outlook

Short-Term Disruptions:

• Affects Hawaii, Guam, Alaska routes (Matson’s core auto trade).

• Other carriers may follow (e.g., Pasha Hawaii under scrutiny).

⏳ Resumption Conditions:

• Requires industry-wide lithium safety standards + Matson’s approval.

• No estimated timeline for service restoration.

Recommendations

⚠️ For Shippers/Forwarders:

1. Switch to Ro-Ro carriers (if feasible; higher costs expected).

2. Verify lithium battery certifications for non-auto cargo.

3. Monitor updates from IMO and class societies (e.g., DNV, ABS).