Ulleung Cruise (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
ULLEUNG, Aug. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – Recent incidents of electric vehicle (EV) fires have prompted ferry operators serving Ulleung Island, a popular tourist destination off South Korea’s east coast, to implement new restrictions on EV transportation.
According to local authorities in Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, H Shipping Company announced on August 13 that it would be suspending the transport of electric vehicles on its Ulleung Sunflower Cruise ferry starting September 1.
The ferry operates between Sadong Port on Ulleung Island and Hupo Port in Uljin on the mainland.
The company cited safety concerns, stating that the suspension will remain in effect until vessels can be equipped with comprehensive fire suppression systems specifically designed for electric vehicle fires.
However, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles will still be permitted on board.
“While we have protocols and fire extinguishing equipment in place for electric vehicle fires, the lack of foolproof suppression systems has led us to temporarily halt EV transport to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations,” a company representative explained.
This move follows a similar action taken by Ulleung Cruise, another ferry operator serving the island.
Since July 22, Ulleung Cruise has restricted its EV cargo to vehicles with battery charge levels of 40% or below on its route between Sadong Port and Yeongil Bay Port in Pohang.
The company cited the increasing frequency of EV fires as the reason for this precautionary measure.
The Eldorado Express, operated by Daejeo Ferry on the Ulleung-Pohang route, is unaffected by these new regulations as it exclusively carries passengers and does not transport vehicles.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
