Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD has taken delivery of the BYD Shenzhen, a 219 metre long roll-on/roll-off vessel capable of transporting 9,200 cars, making it the largest LNG-fuelled car carrier in operation today.
The ship, which features 16 decks designed specifically for wheeled cargo, represents the fourth addition to BYD’s proprietary maritime fleet, following the earlier launches of the Explorer No. 1, Changzhou and Hefei carriers.
The BYD Shenzhen set sail on its maiden overseas voyage on April 27, departing from a Chinese port bound for Brazil with more than 7,000 new-energy vehicles on board, the largest single export batch of BYD models to date.
The shipment includes both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models, signalling BYD’s push to set up direct supply lines for its expanding South American market.
The vessel is equipped with dual-fuel engines that burn liquefied natural gas alongside conventional marine fuel, cutting sulphur oxide emissions by up to 99% and nitrogen oxides by 85% to meet stringent environmental standards.
An anti-fouling hull coating reduces drag and can improve fuel economy by up to 8%, while shaft-generator systems convert surplus engine power into electricity, reducing reliance on diesel-driven generators. BYD has also integrated onboard battery packs to power auxiliary systems, signalling a broader strategy to electrify ship operations.
The Shenzhen’s launch forms part of BYD’s wider plan to operate eight LNG-fuelled car carriers by 2026, targeting an annual shipping capacity exceeding one million vehicles to match its global sales ambitions.
The company invested about US$687 million in the fleet, anticipating per-vehicle transport cost savings of around 30–40%, which could amount to US$1.4 billion in annual logistics expenses.
BYD’s fleet expansion reflects its rapid production growth — export volumes surged 124% year-on-year to 133,361 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025.
Two further vessels, the Changsha and Xi’an, are expected to join the Shenzhen in the coming months.
