On June 3, 2025, the cargo ship Morning Midas caught fire while carrying 3,000 vehicles—including about 800 EVs—bound for Mexico. The blaze began atop the car deck, which carried electric vehicles, before the crew was forced to abandon ship. The vessel eventually sank on June 23 in the North Pacific, 415 miles off Alaska. Although no confirmed EV-related ignition source has been identified, the presence of lithium-ion batteries is suspected to have intensified and prolonged the blaze apnews.com. The U.S. Coast Guard and Resolve Marine continue to monitor for pollution https://people.com.
This catastrophe is a stark reminder: EV fire blankets aren’t just car accessories—they’re critical for ferry safety. For operators transporting electric vehicles via ship or ferry, investing in proven suppression tools can protect vessels, crews, and the environment.
Contents
1. UP-CLOSE LOOK: WHY EV FIRES ARE DIFFERENT
🔥 Thermal Runaway Escalation
Lithium-ion battery fires—known as “thermal runaway”—self-perpetuate with intense heat release. Once started, they can reignite repeatedly, leaking toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, and are notoriously hard to extinguish using traditional methods nypost.com.
🔥 Case History: Morning Midas & Felicity Ace
This incident echoes the 2022 Felicity Ace aboard, where an EV fire raged uncontrollably for a week, complicating firefight efforts. Experts believe the large concentration of lithium-ion batteries was a key factor wsj.com.
2. EV FIRE BLANKETS: PREVENTING DECK BLAZES
🛡 What Is an EV Fire Blanket?
These blankets are designed to smother battery fires quickly by isolating the flame source and restricting oxygen flow. Constructed from high-temperature-resistant materials like fiberglass, they can withstand temperatures over 1,000 °C.
💪 Key Benefits:
- Fast Suppression: Placed over the fire in seconds, they can halt flame spread before it engulfs multiple vehicles.
- Oxygen Starvation: Traps heat and fumes, dramatically reducing fire intensity.
- Reusable Protection: Unlike foam or water-based extinguishers, many EV blankets can be cleaned and maintained for multiple uses.
- Non-toxic & Clean: Excellent for enclosed, vehicle-rich environments like ferry decks.
3. REAL-WORLD FERRY SCENARIOS: EV BLANKET APPLICATION
🚢 Deck Fires in Transit
During sea voyages, a single EV fire can affect multiple adjacent cars. A blanket deployed over the focal point can prevent spread, buying time for mechanical suppression and crew rescue.
⚓ At Dockside & Roll-On/Roll-Off Ferries
In loading bays and ferry parking decks, EV blankets can be staged alongside fire hoses to respond instantly to a smoldering car before flames spread across a deck.
⛴️ Emergency Training Drills
Mandatory crew drills with EV fire blankets improve readiness. Regular hands-on exercises reduce panic and ensure effective execution under pressure.
4. IMPLEMENTATION: HOW TO INTEGRATE EV FIRE BLANKETS
✅ Risk Assessment
Identify zones with high EV concentration, such as deck sections, loading ramps, and valves supplying power.
✅ Product Standards
Choose blankets certified for temps over 1,000 °C and compliant with maritime or ISO safety codes.
✅ Strategic Deployment
Install in spaced cabinets across decks and near loading points. Ensure crew members know exactly where they are and how to access them quickly.
✅ Crew Training & Drills
Mandate recurring training sessions focused on:
- Quick blanket deployment
- EV-specific fire risks
- Smoke evacuation procedures
✅ Maintenance & Inspection
Inspect blankets monthly for wear and reset them after use. Keep replacement blankets onboard as backup.
5. ECONOMICS & PEACE OF MIND
💸 Cost vs. Catastrophe
A single EV blanket kit costs a few hundred dollars. Contrast that with the multi-million–dollar losses from the Morning Midas sinking, and the ROI is sound—especially when counting reduced downtime and pollution fines.
🌊 Insurance Advantages
Marine insurers are beginning to prefer or mandate EV fire safety solutions. Installing fire blankets could reduce premiums and support quicker claims approval.
6. TOWARD A SAFER MARITIME FUTURE
EV traffic across oceans is on the rise. The Morning Midas teaches us that every ferry carrying electric vehicles should adopt EV fire blankets as core safety equipment. By combining proactive training, certified gear, and strong emergency protocols, ferry operators can:
- Contain fires rapidly
- Prevent structural damage
- Avoid catastrophic sinkings
- Protect crew, cargo, and environment
7. CONCLUSION
The sinking of the Morning Midas is a watershed moment for maritime safety. To prevent tragic repeats, EV fire blankets must become standard equipment aboard ferries and car carriers transporting electric vehicles. These easy-to-use, reusable tools provide rapid suppression, reduce risks, and could literally save ships and lives.
