Steam Packet still confident in handling EV fires, says Minister

Process questioned again in House of Keys

There have been questions once again in the House of Keys this morning (24 October) about how the Steam Packet would deal with an electric vehicle fire.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked how such an incident would be dealt with on each of the passenger ferries.

It's a question asked in the Chamber back in May, prior to the Manxman's arrival. 

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson says there's no change:

The vessels' fire detection and extinguishing systems are surveyed every year by the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

Back in February, the Steam Packet issued a statement on this matter: "Safety of passengers and crew is always the number one priority for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The Company complies with all regulatory requirements, both locally from the Isle of Man Merchant Shipping regulations and international requirements under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)."

"The Merchant Shipping Regulatory requirements on board our fleet are surveyed annually by the Isle of Man Ship Registry. The Company has a comprehensive Safety Management System which is regularly reviewed and updated to take account of changing technologies and emerging risks, which is audited annually by Isle of Man Ship Registry. 

"Fire at sea poses a significant risk, and the Company has implemented procedures and risk assessments for cargo and vehicles carried. In accordance with Isle of Man and international legislative requirements, the ships’ crews conduct weekly fire drills testing a range of scenarios. 

"The Company, the Isle of Man Ship Registry and international regulators continually review policy and procedures to prevent, detect and contain fire at sea. The Company also invests in firefighting equipment over and above current legislative requirements to ensure passenger, crew and vessel safety at all times."