Philippines to tighten safety standards for electric vehicles on passenger ferries
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is supporting a Department of Energy initiative to develop science-based standards for carrying electric and hybrid vehicles on domestic passenger vessels, prompted by the deadly MV June Aster ferry fire on 9 September 2026 in which 77 people died and eight remain missing.
The deadly MV June Aster fire has prompted the Philippines to accelerate work on new safety standards for the carriage of electric and hybrid vehicles at sea. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said it is supporting a Department of Energy initiative to develop clear, science-based standards for transporting electric and hybrid vehicles aboard domestic passenger vessels. The move follows the fatal fire aboard the MV June Aster on 9 September while the vessel was sailing to Coron, Palawan. The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that 77 people died, eight remain missing and 43 survived. The ferry was carrying five motorcycles, an electric vehicle, a forklift, a pickup truck and mainly cargo goods. MARINA stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and no final finding has established that the electric vehicle caused the incident. Any changes to existing regulations will be guided by the investigation findings, technical assessments and applicable international maritime safety standards. (Source: SAFETY4SEA)