China Merchants Industry Nanjing Jinling has successfully handed over the world's largest dual-fuel car carrier to China's prominent plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD. The vessel, named BYD Shenzhen, was officially delivered during a traditional ship handover and naming ceremony.
Designed to meet modern environmental standards, the BYD Shenzhen boasts a loading capacity of 9,200 standard car spaces. With a length of 219.9 meters and a width of 37.7 meters, the ship speeds along at 19 knots. It features a dual-fuel propulsion system in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s energy efficiency and carbon emission requirements.
The vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including a battery hybrid system and a shaft generator to enhance energy efficiency. The ship further incorporates energy-saving devices and denitrification technologies like thyristor selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation. Additionally, its high-voltage shore power system allows for zero carbon emissions during terminal operations.
Mei Xianzhi, General Manager of China Merchants Industry , remarked on the burgeoning opportunities for automobile carriers driven by the global automobile market's growth and the rise of new energy vehicles. This ship is a strategic asset in linking automobile production with global consumer markets.
Yizheng, home to a thriving shipbuilding industry, embraces this development with enthusiasm. Meng Dehe, Secretary of the Yizheng Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, reaffirmed the locality's commitment to optimizing the business environment, ensuring continued support for the region's shipbuilding enterprises.
Wang Junbao, General Manager of BYD Corporate Business Department, highlighted the delivery of the BYD Shenzhen as a critical move in connecting China's advanced manufacturing industry with the global market, dubbing the vessel a "sea bridge."
This development stems from BYD's strategic move announced in 2022 to invest approximately CNY 5 billion (around $687 million) in an eight-ship RoRo fleet targeted for completion by 2026. With the BYD Shenzhen now in operation, the company continues its aggressive maritime expansion, having already launched and incorporated several state-of-the-art vessels into its fleet.