The blaze was successfully extinguished by emergency responders from Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies after crews sealed the engine compartment and firefighters were airlifted aboard. No injuries were reported.
With hundreds of vehicles on board — including electric cars — the incident adds to ongoing concerns about fire hazards on car carriers, especially in spaces near engine rooms and amid growing numbers of lithium-battery-equipped vehicles.
The Thames Highway will remain in port for evaluation and repairs, potentially impacting short-sea freight schedules between Germany and the U.K. while authorities investigate the fire’s cause.