Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has officially taken delivery of the BYD Shenzhen, the world’s largest car carrier, designed to transport up to 9,200 vehicles. This strategic move aims to bolster BYD’s global expansion and improve its logistics capabilities for exporting electric vehicles.
Key Characteristics of the largest car carrier
Vessel Capacity: The BYD Shenzhen can carry 9,200 vehicles, surpassing previous records.
Environmental Technology: The ship utilizes LNG dual-fuel technology, promoting sustainability.
Global Expansion: This delivery supports BYD’s goal of increasing its international market share.
Fleet Growth: The BYD Shenzhen is part of an eight-ship fleet designed to enhance shipping capacity.
Overview of BYD Shenzhen
The BYD Shenzhen, measuring 219.9 meters in length and 37.7 meters in width, is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance its operational efficiency. It features a maximum speed of 19 knots and is designed with 16 decks to accommodate a large number of vehicles. This vessel is a significant addition to BYD’s fleet, which aims to facilitate the company’s ambitious export plans.
Technological Innovations
The BYD Shenzhen incorporates several cutting-edge technologies:
LNG Dual-Fuel Propulsion: This allows the vessel to operate on liquefied natural gas as well as traditional marine fuels, reducing emissions.
Energy-Saving Devices: The ship is equipped with energy-efficient systems that minimize fuel consumption.
Battery Power System: A hybrid 1 MW battery system supports operations in low-emission zones and during docking.
Strategic Importance
The launch of the BYD Shenzhen is a crucial step in BYD’s strategy to expand its footprint in international markets. The company has reported significant growth in overseas sales, with over 25,000 new energy vehicles shipped in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This vessel will primarily serve routes to Brazil, one of BYD’s fastest-growing markets, where it sold 75,700 vehicles in 2024, representing a 328% year-over-year increase.
Future Plans
BYD plans to complete its fleet of eight car carriers by 2026, aiming to achieve an annual shipping capacity of over one million vehicles. The company is also preparing to launch additional vessels, including the BYD Changsha, which will have the same capacity as the Shenzhen.
The delivery of the BYD Shenzhen marks a significant milestone for BYD as it continues to lead the charge in the global EV market. With its commitment to sustainability and innovation, BYD is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles worldwide, further solidifying its status as a leader in the automotive industry.
Sources
BYD: One LNG-powered RoRo newbuild launches, another sets on maiden voyage, Offshore-Energy.biz.
Chinese EV Manufacturer BYD Takes Delivery of Largest Capacity Car Carrier, The Maritime Executive.
China’s BYD launches world’s largest carrier to transport 9,200 cars, Interesting Engineering.
BYD Shenzhen car carrier sets sail as BYD increases shipping capacity to global markets, CnEVPost.
BYD launches world’s largest car carrier to fuel global EV takeover, Electrek.
