Felicity Ace fire elevated several EV fire threats. [Image: Portuguese Navy]
Volkswagen AG has actually come much from the days of the precious air-cooled pest. These days its profile consists of brand names such as Bentley as well asLamborghini That suggests that the fire still melting aboard the MOL vehicle provider Felicity Ace might quickly sign up with the checklist of extremely costly maritime casualties, rising the prices of aquatic insurance coverage.
On February 16, the vehicle provider was en path for the Port of Davisville, R.I., from Emden, Germany with a delivery of Volkswagen AG high-end automobiles when a fire burst out that required the team to desert the vessel. They were gotten by the close-by vessel Resilient Warrior a nd consequently airlifted to security by a Portuguese Air Force.
Since after that the vessel has actually been wandering as well as Dublin- based Skytek states, in an analysis of the incident, that “after a few days of uncontrolled burning, there are fears that the vessel and its cargo may be written off as a total loss.”
Skytek, which makes use of geolocation, satellite images as well as huge information to offer experts as well as brokers with understandings right into threats, states that “the estimated market value of the Felicity Ace is $24.5 million. The 3,965 cars onboard are confirmed to be 189 Bentleys, along with brands like Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini, with a starting value from $99,650 that could exceed a total of $500 million.”
As we reported previously, several of the vehicles aboard are electrical automobiles with lithium-ion batteries. A Reuters record priced estimate the captain of the port in Faial, Azores, as stating that the lithium-ion batteries were “keeping the fire alive,” which “traditional water extinguishers do not stop lithium-ion batteries from burning.”
SCENARIO UPDATE
In an upgrade on the circumstance launched today, MOL Ship Management (Singapore) claimed the vessel was still recognized to stay ablaze, wandering southern of the Azores.
“Currently,” states MOL Ship Management, “there is no oil leak verified from the vessel, as well as the security of the vessel continues to be secure.
“Two huge yanks have actually currently gotten here on scene from Gibraltar as well as are splashing the vessel with water to accomplish hull as well as border air conditioning.
“The 2 yanks will certainly likewise help to manage the placement of the vehicle provider before evaluation by the preliminary salvage group currently on website.
“When problems are secure the salvage group will certainly board the Felicity Ace for a preliminary analysis of future salvage strategies.
“Two salvage craft with extra firefighting as well as towing ability gets on flow as well as one is set up to show up on February 23 as well as an additional on February 26.
“MOL, MOL Ship Management (Singapore), and the salvage team are cooperating fully with local authorities and resources from the Azores to find an early solution to this incident.”
