In a remarkable leap for the automotive and maritime industries, BYD has launched the world’s largest car carrier. This RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel is named as BYD Shenzhen. This groundbreaking ship can accommodate up to 9,200 cars. This mega vessel was undocked from the Yangzhou port in eastern China. The launch of Shenzhen marks a significant milestone in BYD’s ambitious global expansion strategy.
Shenzhen is named after BYD’s hometown. It is a colossal 219 meters long, 37.7 meters wide, and has a draft of 9 meters. Its maximum speed is an impressive 18.5 knots, (i.e. 34.3 km/h), making it not only the largest but also one of the most efficient car carriers in operation today.
BYD’s Expanding Fleet
The BYD Shenzhen is the fourth car carrier in BYD’s growing fleet. It follows BYD Explorer No.1, BYD Hefei, and BYD Changzhou. BYD’s strategy is clear, the company plans to have a total of eight such vessels by early 2026. BYD reinforces its capacity to meet international demand. These vessels follow RoRo’s design philosophy. With RoRo, vehicles drive on and off the vessel using built-in ramps, making loading and unloading much more efficient.
BYD launched its first carrier, the BYD Explorer No.1, in January 2024. The successor Explorer is BYD Changzhou. It sailed to Europe with 5,000 EVs onboard in December 2024. Recently, BYD Hefei commenced operations with a 7,000-car capacity. Hefei further solidified BYD’s commitment to international markets. Hefei was also the first vessel to be named after a city where one of its vehicle production bases is located. The Hefei sets a precedent that continues with the BYD Shenzhen.
Pioneering Green Technology
What sets BYD Shenzhen apart from other car carriers is its pioneering use of LNG dual-fuel technology. This innovative approach allows the vessel to run on both LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and traditional marine fuel. This remarkable dual fuel injection makes it the world’s most environmentally friendly car carrier. The use of LNG significantly reduces harmful emissions, aligning with global efforts to minimize the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, BYD Shenzhen features BYD’s box stationary storage batteries, making it the first car carrier to include this innovation. These batteries likely power the ship during docking or in low-emission zones, reducing the reliance on conventional fuel and further enhancing the vessel’s eco-friendly credentials. The ship also features energy-saving devices designed to boost operational efficiency, underscoring BYD’s commitment to sustainability across its operations.
A Vision for the Future
BYD’s vertical integration strategy is one of the key drivers behind its success. The company not only manufactures vehicles but also produces its own battery packs and cells, owns lithium mines, and operates an EV insurance company. This comprehensive approach allows BYD to control every aspect of the EV supply chain, ensuring quality and innovation at every step.
In 2024, BYD exported an impressive 417,204 EVs, a 71.9% increase from 2023. The company’s total global sales of passenger vehicles reached 4.25 million in the same year, with exports accounting for about 10% of these sales. This surge in exports highlights BYD’s growing influence in the international market and its ability to respond to global demand.
New Markets and Global Expansion
As part of its global expansion, BYD has launched the Atto 3 in the South Korean market, available starting today. The Atto 3 EV crossover will soon be followed by the Seal sedan and Sealion 07 SUV, strengthening BYD’s presence in Asia. The addition of BYD Shenzhen to its fleet ensures that the company can efficiently transport its vehicles to international markets, reducing delivery times and costs.
The BYD Shenzhen’s undocking from Yangzhou port not only symbolizes a new era for BYD but also provides new momentum for Chinese auto brands seeking to expand overseas. This strategic move positions BYD to better respond to fluctuations in international market demand, offering a competitive edge in the fast-evolving automotive landscape.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of BYD Shenzhen, with its unmatched capacity and eco-friendly design, underscores BYD’s vision of leading the automotive industry toward a greener future. By 2026, with eight state-of-the-art car carriers in its fleet, BYD aims to set new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in vehicle transportation.
As BYD Shenzhen sails into the annals of history as the world’s largest car carrier vessel. It serves as a testament to BYD’s unwavering commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship. The future looks bright for BYD and the global automotive industry, as this Shenzhen-based automaker continues to drive forward with its bold vision for the future.
