Fire Mitigation-Based Cargo Stowage of Solid-State Battery Electric Vehicles on ASDP Ferry Decks: A Mixed-Method Risk Assessment Study on the Padang–Mentawai Route

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of solid-state battery electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia has introduced an unprecedented fire safety challenge for domestic ferry operations, particularly on high-risk routes such as Padang–Mentawai where extreme maritime environmental conditions compound battery degradation risks. This study examines the influence of EV cargo stowage practices and human resource capacity for fire mitigation on maritime safety perception aboard ASDP ferries. Employing a mixed-method design integrating quantitative Likert-scale surveys (N = 60; α = 0.892), semi-structured qualitative interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), data were collected from maritime students, lecturers, and seafarers affiliated with Politeknik Pelayaran Sumatera Barat between February and June 2026. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant combined effect of cargo stowage (X2) and fire mitigation capacity (X3) on maritime safety perception (Y), with r = 0.712 (p < 0.01). Risk matrix analysis identified 65% of 18 risk indicators at high or extreme levels, concentrated in maritime environmental conditions and emergency response readiness. FGD findings revealed three structural gaps between SE-DJPL No. 12/2024 and operational practice: insufficient deck infrastructure, seafarer competency deficits in thermal runaway management, and coordination failures among operators, regulators, and port charging providers. The study contributes a risk-based adaptive SOP model for EV cargo stowage and recommends curriculum integration at maritime polytechnic institutions.