Morning Midas Sinks After EV Fire, Highlighting Industry's Lithium-Ion Battery Challenges

Adak, Alaska – The Liberian-flagged car carrier Morning Midas, carrying over 3,000 vehicles including 70 electric vehicles (EVs) and 681 hybrids, sank in the North Pacific Ocean on June 23, 2025, following a fire that erupted on its EV deck on June 3. The incident, approximately 300 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska, necessitated the evacuation of all 22 crew members who were safely rescued by a passing merchant vessel. The blaze, which burned for weeks before the vessel succumbed to fire damage and heavy weather, has underscored significant challenges in maritime transport of electric vehicles.

The fire originated in the section of the vessel designated for electric vehicles, with early reports suggesting lithium-ion battery ignition as a likely trigger. Zodiac Maritime, the ship's manager, confirmed the blaze began in the EV section, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Standard CO₂ fire suppression systems onboard proved ineffective against the intense heat generated by thermal runaway in EV batteries. Experts note that lithium-ion fires require vast quantities of water, potentially up to 10,000 gallons per vehicle, far exceeding a ship's typical firefighting capacity.

This event marks the third major EV shipping disaster since 2022, following the notable Felicity Ace incident. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has acknowledged the growing concerns, with new interim guidelines for the safe transport of EVs expected by 2027. However, the current lack of comprehensive international safety regulations leaves a gap in managing the unique risks posed by lithium-ion batteries at sea.

The repeated incidents have led some cargo companies to reportedly refuse to carry electric cars, citing the inherent risks and inadequate fire suppression capabilities. This trend raises fears of potential supply chain bottlenecks for automakers globally as the demand for EVs continues to rise. The sinking of the Morning Midas prompts urgent calls for engineering solutions and updated safety protocols to ensure safer EV transport across oceans.