“BYD Shenzhen,” developed by leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and recognized as the world’s largest car carrier, embarked on its maiden voyage from Taicang Port in China’s Jiangsu Province. The vessel is transporting over 7,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Brazil’s Port of Itajai on a journey expected to last around 30 days.
Built by a shipyard under China Merchants Group and capable of carrying 9,200 vehicles, the 219-meter-long ship features energy-efficient engines, eco-friendly technologies, and advanced loading systems. BYD officials emphasized that the ship represents a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy and acts as a “maritime bridge” delivering Chinese innovation to international markets.
In 2024, China became the world’s top car exporter for the second consecutive year, with over 6.4 million units shipped. In response to growing global demand, manufacturers like BYD, Chery, and SAIC have begun establishing their own shipping fleets. BYD alone transported over 25,000 NEVs overseas in the first quarter of 2025. Brazil, in particular, stood out with 76,700 vehicles sold in 2024, achieving an impressive 328% year-on-year growth.