China’s EV giant launches world’s largest car carrier with 9,200-vehicle capacity

Equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system, the ship is designed to meet the International Maritime Organization’s latest Tier III standards for energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

The ship was unveiled in a naming ceremony held in Yizheng, Jiangsu province on Monday, April 21. The CEU dual-fuel vessel is reportedly the Chinese automobile manufacturer’s fourth super-large car carrier to date, along with the BYD Explorer No. 1, BYD Hefei, BYD Changzhou.

Global shipping milestone

Named after the city of Shenzhen, the world’s largest car carrier symbolizes the automobile manufacturer’s deep roots in China’s innovation hub and its commitment to leading global green transportation.

Built by a shipyard under China Merchants Group, the BYD Shenzhen is equipped with cutting-edge LNG dual-fuel clean propulsion technology, featuring a high-efficiency main engine, shaft generator, high-voltage shore power system, BOG (Boil-Off Gas) recondensation system, and other green technologies.

It is also equipped with a battery hybrid system and shaft generators, as well as energy-saving devices, silicon-controlled selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technologies for denitrification, enabling it to meet the highest current standards for nitrogen oxide emissions.

It furthermore incorporates energy-saving devices and anti-fouling systems, drag-reducing paint to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. At the same time, a high-voltage shore power system allows the vessel to achieve zero carbon emissions during loading and unloading operations at the port.

“The delivery of BYD Shenzhen represents a crucial step in BYD’s globalization strategy,” Wang Junbao, general manager of BYD’s public business division stated. “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.”

Junbao highlighted that the vessel is equipped with an efficient loading system and cutting-edge protective technologies, enabling reliable and low-emission logistics support for the worldwide distribution of new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Greener routes ahead

In a statement issued by China Merchants Industry, Meng Dehe, Yizheng’s party secretary and mayor, highlighted shipbuilding as a key local industry and said the city will keep improving its business environment to support manufacturers and strengthen China’s industrial growth.

“The smooth delivery of BYD Shenzhen marks a key milestone in the cooperation between China Merchants Industry and BYD,” Mei Xianzhi, general manager of China Merchants Industry, explained. He noted that the project underscores the increasing need for energy-efficient ships as new energy vehicles gain traction worldwide.

In early April, the automotive company announced that the BYD Shenzhen was preparing for its maiden voyage. The vessel is reportedly expected to complete loading operations this week before departing for Brazil.

To date, BYD’s new energy vehicles have reached over 100 countries and regions and more than 400 cities globally. The launch of the BYD Shenzhen is expected to significantly boost the company’s delivery capabilities in major global markets, while streamlining shipping times and cutting logistics expenses.