The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is teaming up with key government bodies to develop clear, evidence-based safety rules for carrying electric and hybrid vehicles on domestic passenger ships—an effort triggered by the recent fatal fire aboard the MV June Aster.
Partnering with the Department of Energy (DOE), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MARINA will review current safety practices and set proper requirements for shipping these vehicles. This work aims to better protect passengers, crew, and vessels as electric mobility grows in use.
MARINA noted the investigation into the MV June Aster fire is still ongoing, and no final conclusion has confirmed that an electric vehicle on board caused the incident. Any updates to safety rules will depend on investigation results, technical reviews, and international maritime safety standards.
The fire broke out September 9 as the ferry traveled to Coron, Palawan. Official PCG reports state 77 people died, eight remain missing, and 43 survived. The vessel was carrying cargo including five motorcycles, one electric vehicle, a forklift, and a pickup truck.
Though the cause remains unconfirmed, the presence of an electric vehicle has raised urgent questions about existing transport safety guidelines. MARINA pledged to keep improving maritime safety policies, taking into account new mobility technologies and lessons from the ongoing probe.
