Emission targets apply not only to maritime transport but also to other transport modes. Land transport, notably trucks and cars, will have to steadily evolve as well. This means that, at an increasing rate, both passenger and cargo ships will need to carry AFV onboard and they will have to be adapted to the associated emerging safety challenges.

This topic has become a serious safety concern given the enormous growth o the number of alternative fuelled vehicles (AFV), particularly electric and hybrid-electric, combined with the high uncertainty of the characteristics and potential fire risks of these vehicles.

Moving towards sustainable transport also means that the transportation of AFVs onboard ships is performed at a high safety standard, mitigating risks to the crew, the ship and the environment.

In 2022, EMSA published high level guidance to assist relevant authorities and stakeholders in ensuring that the carriage of AFV is conducted safely.

Ongoing research is tackling relevant issues such as the effectiveness of fixed firefighting solutions such as those of inert gas systems and high expansion foam systems against battery fires, means for early detection of thermal runaway, mitigation of re-ignition risk, fire propagation, explosion risk, training and operation procedures for safe handling of these fires. In 2025, EMSA contracted a new study to support real scale testing on these relevant issues, “Safe Transport of AFVs on Ro-Ro Ships” (STARRS) study.