BRUNSWICK, USA – The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside federal, regional, state, local, and industry partners, executed a crucial exercise on September 24-25 aimed at improving coordination in responding to fires ignited by electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries.
Hosted by the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, this drill validated the Coastal Georgia Area Contingency Plan (ACP) in line with the National Preparedness and Response Exercise Program (NPREP). The scenario simulated an EV fire aboard the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Integrity, docked at the Georgia Ports Authority’s Colonel’s Island Terminal.
Cmdr. Nathaniel Robinson, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Savannah, emphasized the significance of effective partnerships in ensuring the resilience of the marine transportation system. “Exercises such as these help first responders understand their various roles and responsibilities throughout complex emergencies within the maritime environment and foster unity of effort, collaboration, and coordination,” he stated.
The collaborative effort involved various federal, state, and local agencies, in addition to ARC and Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), as they engaged in discussions regarding response strategies for a lithium-ion battery fire on a commercial vessel. Over the preceding months, ARC also provided over 100 local firefighters with familiarize tours of their vessels at the Port of Brunswick, enhancing regional readiness.
“The exercise took more than seven months to plan, and the lessons learned will be invaluable in updating Coastal Georgia’s ACP,” Robinson added. “As global demand for electric vehicles rises, so does the risk of lithium-ion battery fires in marine settings.”
By simulating real-world scenarios and assessing local firefighting capabilities, the Coast Guard and stakeholders are fortifying their readiness to safeguard public safety, protect the environment, and uphold the maritime transportation system, ensuring the steady flow of commerce throughout Georgia’s vital ports.
