China’s EV giant BYD takes delivery of another dual-fuel car carrier

December 9, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

China’s BYD, ‘the world’s largest’ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufacturer, has taken delivery of its second LNG dual-fuel car carrier.

The newbuilding, named BYD Changzhou, was built by CIMC Raffles shipyard, a subsidiary of China International Marine Containers (CIMC), in Longkou, Yantai.

On November 29, 2024, the pure car, truck carrier (PCTC) departed from Yantai, Shandong. After loading nearly 5,000 new electric vehicles at Lianyungang and Taicang ports in Jiangsu, the vessel is en route to Bristol and Rotterdam ports in Europe.

According to the company, BYD Changzhou was built in line with “the highest” international standards. Like BYD’s flagship, BYD Explorer No.1, the second PCTC is 199.9 meters long, has 7,000 standard parking spaces, and uses advanced LNG dual-fuel power technology. This environmentally friendly and “efficient” propulsion method is said to not only reduce carbon emissions during transportation but also reflect BYD’s practice and responsibility on the road to sustainable development.

“The design and technology of the ship reflect the high level of China’s manufacturing industry, can adapt to the needs of multiple routes, and provide strong support for the expansion of the global market,” BYD said.

As Offshore Energy earlier reported, BYD took delivery of its first 7,000 CEU dual-fueled car carrier in mid-January 2024. Both BYD Explorer No.1 and BYD Changzhou were ordered by the US-based Zodiac Maritime and leased to BYD.

Meanwhile, BYD is reportedly preparing to accept delivery of its first owned PCTC, BYD Hefei, later this month. The construction on the 7,000 CEU PCTC started last year at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) as part of the two-ship order placed by BYD. In late September this year, GSI held an undocking ceremony for the dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ship BYD Hefei.

Another series of 9,200 CEU units is being built for BYD at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard and China Merchants Heavy Industry. The first ship is planned for delivery in 2025.

Ready, set, go! Big expansion on the horizon

Following the delivery of BYD Explorer No.1 last year, a new era for China’s transport of domestically built cars has begun. BYD Changzhou is expected to give a further boost to the country’s car transport industry.

“Against the backdrop of the rapid development of China’s shipping industry and the continuous record highs of automobile exports, the addition of BYD CHANGZHOU will undoubtedly further enhance BYD’s competitiveness in the international shipping market, while helping BYD Auto accelerate its overseas market expansion,” BYD highlighted.

As explained, BYD’s strategy aligns with the country’s objectives to build “a strong” maritime and shipping nation and strengthen (independent) supply chain. As a result, by building its own maritime fleet, BYD said it not only ensures the stability of its product export supply but also pursues the government’s targets focused on enhancing its international image.

In recent years, the company has been accelerating its overseas business expansion. So far, BYD’s new energy vehicles have entered 99 countries and regions around the world.

For example, apart from docking in Europe, BYD Explorer No.1 also reached the Port of Suape in Brazil in June 2024, completing a transoceanic journey from China to Brazil. By deploying the dual-fuel flagship to Brazil, BYD responded to the growing demand for new energy vehicles in the Brazilian market and contribute the country’s sustainability goals.

With more PCTCs put into operation, BYD aims to increase deliveries of its electric vehicles, promoting the green transformation of the global automotive industry and “help cool the earth by 1°C”.

In related news, China’s PCTC shipbuilding sector enjoys momentum as more and more shipowners are opting for China to build their new car carriers such as the Italian shipping major Grimaldi which ordered in 2023 a fleet of ammonia-ready PCTCs at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu shipyard.

What is more, Norway-based shipping company Höegh Autoliners welcomed the first of twelve multi-fuel Aurora-class PCTCs in August this year. The ship, Höegh Aurora, was constructed by China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu.