Marine insurer Gard has issued a cautionary statement concerning a heightened fire risk on car carriers. The insurer indicates that transporting vehicles with larger quantities of fuel in their tanks could significantly escalate the potential for onboard fires. This alert highlights a specific safety challenge within the maritime sector, particularly for vessels designed to transport vehicles.
This concern is especially relevant given the nature of car carrier operations, where large numbers of vehicles are stowed in enclosed spaces. The presence of volatile fuel in greater volumes within these vehicles could exacerbate any ignition event, making fires more difficult to contain and potentially leading to more severe outcomes.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals involved in shipping vehicles, this warning from Gard emphasizes the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols. It suggests a need for clear communication with shippers regarding fuel tank levels prior to loading. Forwarders should verify that vehicles comply with carrier and port regulations on maximum fuel levels to mitigate risks and ensure cargo safety. Non-compliance could lead to delays, refusal of cargo, or, in the worst case, catastrophic incidents.
While the source does not specify immediate next steps, this advisory from a major marine insurer suggests that industry stakeholders, including carriers, shippers, and port authorities, may need to review and potentially revise their current guidelines and practices for vehicle fuel levels on car carriers to enhance safety measures.
