Clear instructions on how to transport vehicles of alternative fuels in coastal shipping vessels the Ministry of Shipping announces.

The announcement in more detail:

“In view of the safety of navigation and the safe movement of passengers, the Ministry of Shipping & Insular Policy issued guidelines (14/11/2023 & 16/4/2024) to the shipping companies, for the transport of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) with the shipping vessels, in order to inform, prevent and limit potential risks.

It is noted that in AFVs included: a) pure electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles carrying accumulators (batteries) and b) vehicles using liquefied and compressed gaseous fuels.

The guidelines were based on a study by European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the international experience so far as the issue of transporting AFVs by ships has concerned the international shipping community relatively recently.

Therefore and for reasons of prevention, the aforementioned instructions to the drivers of AFVs who want to board a coastal vessel, state that:

a) in purely electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles, the temperature of the batteries must be checked while the charge level must be up to 40% of their total capacity and

b) in the vehicles of other alternative fuels, such as liquid gas or natural gas, their tanks do not contain fuel exceeding 50% of their total capacity.

It is pointed out that there is an obligation for passengers-drivers to immediately inform the ship’s crew in case of receiving any alarm signal from their vehicle.

AFVs with damage to their fuel system and their tanks or batteries (if they have not been removed) may not be loaded. The responsibility for ensuring that there is no damage to the vehicle or damage to its fuel system, tanks or accumulators rests exclusively with the owners of these vehicles and the shipping company can ensure this in any way it determines.

Finally, electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles will not be allowed to be charged on board and it must be ensured that electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles will not be connected to any source of electricity on board.

The primary concern of the Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy and the Coast Guard is the safety of human life at sea. The instructions given for the safe transport of AFVs on coastal vessels serve this purpose, but without hindering the free movement of “green vehicles”. in our islands. We ask that drivers of AFVs follow the instructions as well as understand them so that we can all enjoy safe voyages on our seas.”