05/05/2025
Credit: https://www.adriaports.com/en/shipping-en/worlds-largest-car-carrier-delivered/
The world’s largest vehicle carrier has been launched in recent days by the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing and delivered to the Chinese automaker BYD. The BYD Shenzhen, equipped with dual-fuel capability — meaning it can operate on both LNG and conventional fuel — is named after the city where the world-leading electric vehicle manufacturer is headquartered. With a capacity just exceeding 9,100 CEU, the BYD Shenzhen has overtaken the previous record held by Norway’s Höegh Autoliners. Measuring 219 meters in length and 37.7 meters in width, the vessel can carry up to 9,200 vehicles and is the first of its kind to be built for BYD Co Ltd. It features 16 decks and can reach a top speed of 19 knots. The delivery ceremony took place in the city of Yizheng, in the eastern province of Jiangsu. This maritime giant is equipped with cutting-edge green technologies: high-efficiency and energy-saving main engines, a hybrid battery system, a shaft generator, a boil-off gas (BOG) recovery system, a high-voltage shore power connection, as well as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and antifouling and drag-reducing coatings, all of which enhance energy efficiency and ensure compliance with the latest emission reduction standards set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). This is BYD’s fourth vehicle carrier, joining the three Ro-Ro ships already in its fleet. In 2022, the company announced a 5 billion yuan investment plan to commission eight Ro-Ro vessels by 2026, each capable of transporting over 7,000 vehicles and equipped with dual-fuel propulsion systems. BYD has ordered three more vessels of the same size from China Merchants Industry, all scheduled for delivery this year. With these new vessels, BYD’s fleet will boast an annual transport capacity of over one million vehicles.
Record-Breaking Vessel Specifications
The BYD Shenzhen is now the world’s largest car carrier, surpassing the previous record held by Höegh Aurora. Key features include:
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Capacity: 9,200 standard car spaces
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Dimensions: 219.9 meters long, 37.7 meters wide, with 16 decks
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Speed: 19 knots
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Dual-fuel propulsion (LNG & conventional fuel) meeting IMO Tier III emissions standards
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Battery hybrid system & shaft generator for enhanced efficiency
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Energy-saving tech: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and high-voltage shore power for zero emissions at port
A Strategic Move for BYD’s Global Expansion
The vessel is part of BYD’s CNY 5 billion ($687M) investment in an eight-ship RoRo fleet, set for completion by 2026. Previous deliveries include:
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BYD Explorer No.1 (Jan 2024)
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BYD Changzhou (Dec 2024)
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BYD Hefei (Jan 2025, BYD’s first owned PCTC)
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BYD Changsha (launched March 2025)
Wang Junbao, BYD’s General Manager of Corporate Business, called the ship a “sea bridge” linking Chinese smart manufacturing to global markets.
Industry Leaders Celebrate Milestone
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Mei Xianzhi (GM, China Merchants Industry) highlighted unprecedented opportunities in the auto carrier sector due to rising NEV demand.
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Meng Dehe (Mayor of Yizheng) reaffirmed local government support for shipbuilding innovation, pledging a “worry-free” business environment.
What’s Next?
The BYD Shenzhen is set to begin its maiden voyage, while BYD Xi’an, the latest addition, was recently launched in April 2025.