BYD has unveiled the world’s largest RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vehicle carrier, the BYD Shenzhen, which is capable of transporting up to 9,200 cars. This state-of-the-art vessel, named after BYD’s hometown, undocked from Yangzhou Port, located about three hours northwest of Shanghai. The ship measures 219 meters in length, 37.7 meters in width, and has a draft of 9 meters. It boasts a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h).

The BYD Shenzhen is the fourth addition to BYD’s expanding fleet of car carriers. The company plans to operate a total of eight carriers by early 2026, supporting its ambitious global expansion. Known for its significant vertical integration, BYD not only manufactures vehicles but also produces its own battery packs and cells, owns lithium mines, and even runs an EV insurance company in China, enabling it to control virtually every aspect of its supply chain.

The BYD Shenzhen stands out as the most environmentally friendly car carrier in the world. It is equipped with LNG dual-fuel technology, enabling it to run on either LNG or traditional marine fuel. Additionally, the vessel incorporates energy-saving devices designed to enhance operational efficiency. Notably, the BYD Shenzhen is the first ship to feature BYD’s own stationary storage batteries, which are likely intended to power the ship during docking or in low-emission zones, further reducing its fuel consumption.

This launch follows BYD’s introduction of the BYD Explorer in January 2024, the BYD Changzhou in December 2024, and the recent deployment of the BYD Hefei, a 7,000-car carrier. By 2026, BYD plans to have a fleet of eight RoRo vessels, all of which feature advanced design elements for seamless vehicle loading and unloading via built-in ramps, eliminating the need for cranes or other external equipment.

In terms of global sales, BYD made impressive strides in 2024, exporting 417,204 electric vehicles (EVs), a 71.9% increase from the previous year. Exports accounted for approximately 10% of the company’s total 4.25 million passenger vehicle sales globally. As part of its continued international expansion, BYD recently launched the Atto 3 electric crossover in South Korea, with the Seal sedan and Sealion 07 SUV set to follow later this year.