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BYD’s New 200-Meter Long Ship with Capacity for 7.000 Cars Sets Sail!
The Chinese giant BYD has taken another important step in its global expansion strategy. BYD Changzhou, according to ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ship of the company, began its operations after the official inauguration.
General Manager Wang Junbao announced that the ship, with capacity to transport up to 7.000 vehicles, is currently on its way to Europe, carrying nearly 5.000 electric cars for export.
A new era of logistics
At an impressive 199,9 meters long, the BYD Changzhou is another big step for BYD, which now operates two of its own transport vessels: the BYD Hefei and the newly launched Changzhou.
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The first ship, the BYD Hefei, was commissioned in September 2024, and both were named after the company's factories located in the cities of the same name.
Ro-ro ships are essential for vehicle exports, allowing cars, trucks and other wheeled vehicles to be loaded and unloaded quickly.
The Changzhou was launched in October 2024 in Yantai City, Shandong Province, and underwent rigorous sea trials in November before being officially delivered at the end of the month.
Exponential growth in exports
The launch of the new ship comes at a time of strong growth for BYD. In November 2024, the company sold 506.804 new energy vehicles (NEVs), an increase of 67,86% compared to the same month last year.
In the year to date, 3.757.336 units were sold, representing a growth of 40,02% compared to 2023. Exports also continue to rise, with 28.141 vehicles shipped from China to international markets in November alone.
The expansion of the ro-ro fleet is a key part of the company’s internationalization strategy. The company currently has three vessels in operation: the BYD Explorer No.1, leased from Zodiac Maritime, and the two owned by the company itself. However, the company already plans to add seven more vessels to its fleet in the coming years.
Strategic partnerships in shipbuilding
The BYD Changzhou was built by CIMC Raffles, one of China's largest shipbuilders, while the BYD Hefei was built by Guangzhou Shipyard International.
These partnerships demonstrate BYD’s ability to leverage local expertise to meet the growing demands of the global electric vehicle market.
The future of sustainable logistics
The investment in its own ships reveals BYD's intention to control its logistics chain from end to end. For the Chinese company, this not only increases transport efficiency, but also reduces costs and ensures greater predictability in the shipment of vehicles to strategic markets such as Europe.
With seven more vessels planned, BYD is cementing its position as a global leader in electric vehicles. As the company moves forward, its maritime fleet is set to become a central element in meeting growing international demand, reinforcing BYD’s role in the transition to sustainable mobility.
