Safety
MARINA says no final finding ties an electric vehicle to the June Aster fire
MARINA said on 18 September that no final finding has established that an electric vehicle caused the MV June Aster fire, and that it is working on standards for carrying electric and hybrid vehicles. The Department of Energy had the day before described Montenegro Lines' temporary restriction on those vehicles as a prudent step.
Source: Maritime Industry Authority (opens in a new tab)
The Maritime Industry Authority said on 18 September 2026 that it supports the Department of Energy's initiative to develop clear, science-based standards for the safe carriage of electric and hybrid vehicles on domestic passenger vessels. MARINA is working with the Department of Energy, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard to review existing safety protocols and to set requirements that protect passengers, vessels and crew while electric mobility grows.
MARINA said the investigation into the MV June Aster fire is ongoing, and that no final finding has established that the electric vehicle on board caused the incident. The authority said it will continue to strengthen its safety regulations and protocols on the basis of the investigation, technical assessments and applicable international maritime safety standards.
The Department of Energy said on 17 September 2026 that it recognises the safety concerns raised by Montenegro Lines in temporarily restricting the boarding of electric and hybrid vehicles on its vessels after a recent maritime incident. The department called that restriction a prudent step while broader safety standards for electric mobility at sea are developed. It is taking part in the 2026 implementing rules and regulations of the Fire Code, with the Bureau of Fire Protection, so that emerging risks involving electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries are addressed. It is also coordinating with MARINA on protocols for carrying electric and hybrid vehicles on vessels.
"Safety must come first," Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said. "We want Filipinos to trust that riding a ferry with an electric vehicle is just as safe as riding with any other vehicle. We are working closely with the Bureau of Fire Protection and MARINA to get the standards right, standards that protect our passengers and our vessels while still allowing electric mobility to grow."
The department said its Electric Vehicle Industry Management Division is coordinating with MARINA, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard on the ongoing investigation into the Coron incident. Department of Energy, 17 September 2026 (opens in a new tab).