Maritime Legal Update
– June 2026
Safe carriage of
vehicle cargoes – new UK P&I Club guidance for shipowners and operators
(prepared by Marek Czernis & Co. Law
Office)
Firm note – vehicle
carriage, cargo claims and fire safety
The Law Office actively advises shipowners,
operators, port terminals, carriers, P&I insurers and logistics
stakeholders regarding: carriage of vehicles by sea, cargo claims, carrier
liability, onboard fire safety, IMDG Code compliance, risk management, and
disputes arising from cargo damage or loss.
The increasing number of incidents involving
vehicle cargoes, particularly electric and hybrid vehicles, has led to greater
focus from shipowners, P&I Clubs and maritime authorities on transportation
safety.
1. Introduction – Safe
Carriage of Vehicle Cargoes
UK P&I Club has published Safe Carriage of
Vehicle Cargoes a practical guide addressing the safe carriage of vehicle
cargoes by sea.
The guidance is intended for: shipowners, operators,
crews, port terminals, and other participants in the logistics chain.
It focuses on reducing risks associated with: fires,
improper cargo securing, vehicle damage, and inaccurate declarations regarding
vehicle condition.
2. Growing importance
of vehicle cargoes
Vehicle transportation represents one of the
fastest-growing segments of maritime transport.
This includes: new vehicles, used vehicles, construction
machinery, specialist vehicles, and electric and hybrid vehicles.
At the same time, increasing cargo volumes
create greater exposure to cargo damage, fire risk and operational disruption.
3. Particular risks
associated with electric vehicles
A substantial part of the guidance addresses
electric vehicles.
UK P&I Club emphasises that electric
vehicles should not automatically be regarded as more dangerous than
conventional vehicles.
However, particular risks arise where vehicles
have: damaged batteries, collision damage, flood damage, hidden high-voltage
system defects, or potential thermal runaway conditions.
Proper identification of damaged vehicles
before loading is therefore critical.
4. Pre-loading
inspections
The guidance recommends comprehensive
pre-loading inspections.
Inspections should include verification of: visible
damage, fluid leaks, battery condition, evidence of previous collisions, signs
of overheating or fire damage, and documentation consistency.
Particular attention should be given to
damaged, defective or salvage vehicles.
5. Cargo securing and
lashing
The document reiterates the importance of:
proper lashing and securing arrangements.
Improper securing may result in: cargo
movement, vehicle damage, structural damage to the vessel, and safety risks for
the crew.
The guidance recommends compliance with: Cargo
Securing Manuals, the CSS Code, and classification society requirements.
6. Fire risk and
emergency response
One of the central themes of the guidance
concerns fire prevention and emergency response.
The guidance highlights the importance of: fire
detection systems, cargo deck monitoring, crew training, emergency response
planning, and regular drills.
Particular emphasis is placed on early
identification and containment of fire incidents.
7. Practical
implications for shipowners and operators
The publication highlights the growing
importance of: cargo risk management, cargo acceptance due diligence, vehicle
condition documentation, and transport safety procedures.
The guidance is likely to become increasingly
influential among: P&I Clubs, shipowners, operators, auditors, and cargo
insurers.
8. Law Office
conclusions
The Safe Carriage of Vehicle Cargoes guidance
provides an important practical framework for the maritime transport of
vehicles.
It confirms that effective risk mitigation
depends upon: proper pre-loading inspections, robust safety procedures, adequate
cargo securing, and well-prepared emergency response capabilities.
As the transport of electric vehicles continues
to grow, further development of operational and safety standards can be
expected.
The Law Office continues to support clients
regarding: cargo claims, liability disputes, marine insurance, vehicle
transportation, and maritime risk management.