BYD, the electric vehicle giant, has launched a new cargo ship designed to carry a significant volume of its electric and hybrid vehicles to markets around the world. The “Shenzhen,” named after the company’s hometown, is capable of transporting 9,200 vehicles and is now the world’s largest “roll on, roll off,” or ro-ro, cargo ship for eco-friendly cars.
The Shenzhen is the company’s fourth cargo ship.
According to Car News China, the Shenzhen measures 718.5 feet in length and 126.7 feet in width. It has a top speed of 18.5 knots, equivalent to approximately 21 miles per hour.
While the Shenzhen holds the title of the world’s largest car carrier, BYD also claims that it is the most environmentally friendly. Although specific details about the ship’s operation haven’t been released, Car News China reported that the vessel is equipped with “energy-saving devices to enhance operational efficiency.” Electrek noted that the ship incorporates battery packs and shaft-belt generators to meet its power demands. It also uses natural gas and traditional marine fuel, as reported by Car News China.
The Shenzhen is BYD’s fourth cargo ship. The company’s initial vessel began operation in January 2024 and has already completed trips to Europe and Brazil. Each of BYD’s existing ro-ro ships has a capacity of 7,000 vehicles per trip. BYD anticipates having a total of eight carriers by early 2026 to support its global expansion, according to Car News China.
BYD has established a presence in the new energy auto market across 100 countries and regions worldwide, with further expansion expected in 2025. The company sold a record 4.25 million new energy vehicles last year, marking a more than 40% increase compared to its 2023 sales, according to data from Car News China. This figure covers both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, BYD produced over 1.77 million vehicles last year, surpassing Tesla by approximately 4,500 units and solidifying its position as the foremost new energy vehicle manufacturer globally. However, Tesla produced more fully electric vehicles at 1.78 million, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million.
BYD’s continued growth, along with the success of other EV manufacturers, is beneficial for the environment. The transportation sector is the second-largest contributor to pollution that warms our planet, following electricity and heat production. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs produce no climate-warming air pollution during operation and do not rely on dirty energy sources. The increased demand for EVs contributes to reducing transportation-related pollution, which is a positive development.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that a greater adoption of EVs could lead to improvements in public health by lowering the risk of respiratory irritation, illnesses, and cancers associated with air pollution. Electrek reported that BYD’s increasing presence in competitive markets has prompted established automakers to take EVs seriously. The news site noted that Nissan and Honda have “teamed up on EVs to fend off BYD’s surge.” Recently entering the South Korean market, BYD plans to launch new vehicles in Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and other competitive areas this year.
