BYD undocks 'Xi'an' Ro-Ro car carrier, to launch maiden voyage for 'Shenzhen' soon

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BYD has announced another milestone in its overseas expansion with the "Xi'an" car carrier undocked on April 2. Meanwhile, the "Shenzhen," the world's largest-ever roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) car carrier, is set for its maiden voyage.

The "Shenzhen" measures 219.9 meters in length and 37.7 meters in width, with a designed cruising speed of 18.5 knots (approximately 34 km/h). Capable of carrying up to 9,200 vehicles, it currently stands as the largest Ro-Ro car carrier globally.

The "Xi'an" is the sixth Ro-Ro vessel delivered to BYD in just over a year, underscoring the company's aggressive push into maritime logistics.

In 2022, BYD announced a 5-billion-yuan investment to commission eight Ro-Ro carriers, each capable of transporting over 7,000 vehicles. Two of these ships were built by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited, while the remaining six were constructed by CIMC Raffles. All vessels feature dual-fuel propulsion systems utilizing both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and conventional fuel.

The rollout of BYD's shipping fleet has been swift. In January 2024, its first Ro-Ro ship, "Explorer No.1," embarked on its maiden voyage from Xiaomo Port in Shenzhen, carrying 4,000 electric vehicles to Europe. This was followed by the delivery of the "Changzhou" in December 2024 and the "Hefei" in January 2025, which immediately set sail. The "Shenzhen" was undocked in January 2025, and the "Changsha" followed in March, with delivery expected in May.

BYD aims to complete its fleet of eight Ro-Ro carriers by 2026, achieving an annual shipping capacity exceeding one million vehicles.