As electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery technologies become more common across transport networks, the challenge of extinguishing lithium battery fires has become a critical safety priority—particularly in confined, high-risk environments such as passenger ferries.
One of the key outcomes of this project is the development of an innovative extinguishing pool designed specifically for electric vehicle fires. In the event of a lithium-ion battery incident, the EV fire suppression (EVFS) pool can be rapidly assembled around the affected vehicle directly on the car deck.
Once deployed, the system allows the battery—typically located beneath the vehicle floor—to be submerged in a cooling liquid. This process removes heat from the battery cells and helps prevent further thermal runaway. Field testing has shown the pool to be highly effective, even in tight and restricted deck spaces, while remaining straightforward for crews to deploy under pressure.
Over the past six months, Wasaline has been working closely with Finnish fire safety specialists Firesea Equipment Oy and Rescue Team Scandinavia to develop new, practical solutions for managing vehicle fires at sea. Alongside other shipping operators, Wasaline took part in a collaborative safety project focused on improving onboard fire response for modern battery-powered vehicles.
As a result, Wasaline has become the first shipping company to install this system onboard its ferry Aurora Botnia, setting a new benchmark for EV fire preparedness at sea.
In addition to the extinguishing pool, Aurora Botnia has also been equipped with AVD lithium fire extinguishers, widely recognised as one of the most effective tools currently available for extinguishing lithium battery fires.
AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) is a specialist, water-based extinguishing agent designed specifically for lithium-ion battery incidents. When discharged, the fine mist cools the burning battery while depositing vermiculite platelets that encapsulate the fire, isolate oxygen and significantly reduce the risk of re-ignition. This makes AVD a highly effective lithium fire extinguisher for marine, transport and other high-risk environments.
By combining physical containment solutions with advanced lithium fire extinguisher technology, Wasaline is demonstrating how shipping operators can adapt to the evolving risks associated with electric vehicles and energy storage systems. These proactive measures not only enhance onboard safety but also support crew confidence and regulatory compliance as lithium-ion battery use continues to grow.
👉 Read the full article to learn more about how maritime operators are responding to lithium-ion battery fire risks.
