EV car transport ship with AI-powered anomaly

ClassNK awarded to Positive Challenger, one of Eastern Car Liner Ltd. operated and managed by ECL Shipmanagement Limited, the designation “AFVC(FD)(EV)”*1 for vessels equipped with it additional firefighting measures for the transport of electric vehicles (EVs).

Shipping companies are taking various measures to combat electric vehicle fires, which are a cause for concern due to difficulty in extinguishing them and the risk of reignition. To support these efforts, ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for the safe transport of electric vehicles.” These guidelines explain the characteristics of electric vehicle fires and provide guidance on how to respond. Five types of “AFVC” notes are also listed according to different security measures.

The FD marking, one of the five types, applies to ships that take effective measures for early detection of vehicle anomalies and fires and early detection of vehicle fires. Positive Challenger has three anomaly detection functions using AI cameras: smoke detection, heat detection and rapid temperature rise detection. If abnormalities such as the production of flammable gases or an increase in the vehicle’s body temperature are detected, the system can alert the crew. ClassNK estimated that these features allow for earlier identification of burning vehicles compared to traditional smoke detectors.