BYD marks delivery of world’s largest car carrier

ELECTRIC vehicle manufacturer BYD has taken delivery of the world’s largest capacity car carrier from shipbuilder China Merchants.

BYD Shenzhen was named in a ceremony on 22 April in Yizheng China, with the vessel currently underway on its maiden voyage from China to Brazil.

The 219-metre LOA vessel is part of a four-ship class designed by Deltamarin. BYD Shenzhen surpasses in capacity Höegh Aurora, Höegh Autoliner’s first Aurora-class vessel, which has a capacity of 9100 cars.

The 16,300 dwt carrier also reportedly incorporates technologies designed to increase efficiency, including LNG fuel-capacity as well as high-efficiency, energy-saving main engines that can provide a speed of 19 knots.

On the technical side, BYD Shenzhen also employs a Boil-Off Gas recondenser, anti-fouling, drag-reducing coasting, and shaft generators, and boasts a hybrid 1 MW battery power syste, and shore power capability.

BYD currently operates three ro-ro ships, BYD Explorer No.1, BYD Changzhou and BYD Hefei. In the first quarter of this year, these ships reportedly transported over 25,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) overseas.

In 2024, BYD’s overseas sales reportedly reached 417,200 units, with Brazil emerging as a standout market with 76,700 vehicles sold, an approximate year-on-year growth rate of 328 percent.

The launch of BYD Shenzhen is expected to enhance the company’s delivery capabilities, and presence, overseas.

At the delivery ceremony, Wang Junbao, general manager of BYD’s public business division, noted that BYD Shenzhen’s efficient loading system and advanced protective technologies can provide stable and low-carbon logistics support for BYD’s global delivery of NEV’s.

“The delivery of BYD Shenzhen represents a crucial step in BYD’s globalisation strategy,” Wang said.

“It is more than just a transport ship, but serves as a ‘maritime bridge’ connecting Chinese innovation with the global market, enabling users around the world to share in the benefits of Chinese technology.”

BYD recently overtook tesla as the world’s largest electric vehicle producer.

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