Matson Halts Electric Vehicle Shipments Over Fire Risks in Pacific

Matson, a major U.S.-based shipping company, has indefinitely halted all shipments of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) across its maritime network due to safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fires. This decision follows several high-profile incidents, including the June 2025 fire aboard the Morning Midas cargo ship, which sank off Alaska while carrying thousands of vehicles, many of them electric, and earlier fires such as the 2023 Fremantle Highway blaze. Lithium-ion battery fires are particularly difficult to extinguish and can reignite, posing unique risks compared to traditional vehicle fires. Matson's ban affects routes between the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska, disrupting logistics for automakers and private owners amid rising EV adoption in the U.S. While EVs represent a growing share of new and used vehicle sales, shipping challenges and safety concerns remain significant hurdles. Matson has stated it supports industry efforts to develop standards to address these risks, but the ban highlights the ongoing complexities in transporting EVs safely.