Freighter fire trial: VW is said to have caused millions in damage!

Freighter fire trial: VW is said to have caused millions in damage!

A spectacular fire on a freighter in 2022 that had around 4,000 cars on board continues to have legal consequences. Today, July 4, 2025, proceedings began at the Braunschweig Regional Court in which the ship owner, shipping company and insurer are demanding compensation from Volkswagen. The accusation: A lithium-ion battery in a Porsche Taycan is said to have started the fire, which Volkswagen firmly denies and instead suggests an alternative cause of the fire.

The planned compensation claims are in the three-digit million range, although the exact amount is still disputed. The central question in the proceedings is whether an electric car caused the fire or whether the vehicles had already caught fire from an existing fire. A failed conciliation process led to this hearing, in which experts will initially have their say.

The incident and its consequences

The car transporter "Felicity Ace" sank 150 kilometers south of the Azores after a fire broke out during the crossing to the USA. The entire crew was evacuated, but the wreckage is now over 3,000 meters deep on the seabed. This accident has sparked not only legal but also safety policy debates surrounding the transport of electric cars. Questions about the safety of lithium-ion batteries raise serious concerns.

In the context of this discussion, reference is also made to the shipping company's security precautions. In particular, the extinguishing system on board the ship is said to have not worked properly. Plaintiffs argue that the foam extinguishing system was not suitable for electric car battery fires, which represents a significant safety gap.

At the same time, another trial is taking place at the Stuttgart Regional Court, which will continue on October 20, 2025. Around 29.1 million euros are required from Porsche here. In this context, the question of the knowledge advantage between manufacturers and shipping companies is also discussed: Who had more information about the possible dangers when transporting electric vehicles?

Safe handling of lithium-ion batteries

The increasing importance of electromobility means that the safe use of lithium-ion batteries is becoming more important than ever. Companies like ThorPak already offer solutions for the safe transport and storage of these batteries. Their products are specifically designed for electromobility and aim to protect the environment and secure investments through proper handling. The company complies with all applicable regulations for the transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries.

With the entry into force of new regulations according to ADR 2025 from July 1, 2025, lithium batteries will be classified as Class 9 dangerous goods. These new regulations require companies to be very careful. Experts warn of the risks that can arise, particularly from damaged or defective batteries. Fire and explosion hazards are the main threats that can arise from improper transport.

The new regulations note that specific requirements for packaging of damage cases and prototypes will also be introduced. Companies must familiarize themselves with the new rules early on and adapt their processes to ensure a safe transport environment.

Overall, the “Felicity Ace” incident impressively shows how closely the topics of e-mobility and safety are linked. The ongoing legal disputes and the discussion about packaging and safety regulations make it clear that there is a need for action and that regulations urgently need to be brought up to date.