Cargo Ship Fire in Bering Sea: 3,000 Vehicles Lost, EV Battery Safety Questioned

Cargo Ship Fire in Bering Sea Highlights EV Battery Risks A major incident unfolded in the Bering Sea on June 3, 2025, when the cargo ship Morning Iris, carrying 3,000 vehicles, caught fire. The ship, operated by Zodiac Maritime, was en route to Mexico from the Chinese port of Yantai. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated. The fire, which continues to burn, is believed to have originated from the lithium-ion batteries in the 800 electric vehicles aboard. 'We are deeply concerned about the incident and are cooperating fully with the investigation,' said a spokesperson for Zodiac Maritime, who declined further comment. The incident is raising serious questions about fire safety protocols for transporting large numbers of electric vehicles. Allianz, the insurer, is currently assessing the damage and potential losses. This incident underscores a growing concern within the maritime industry regarding the fire risk associated with electric vehicle batteries, particularly given their value and the scale of modern car carrier vessels.