On January 9, 2024, the BYD EXPLORER NO.1, the first car carrier specifically built for Chinese automobile exports by a domestic shipyard, was delivered and departed from Longkou, Shandong. It will load vehicles at Shenzhen's Xiaomo Port before heading to Europe.
The vessel, built by CIMC Raffles for international shipping company Zodiac Maritime, has a capacity of 7,000 cars. It is chartered to BYD and marks the first ship in BYD's 'overseas fleet'. This milestone inaugurates the 'era of self-shipping Chinese cars', ensuring timely delivery and market expansion for BYD overseas.
The BYD EXPLORER NO.1 measures 199.9 meters in length, 38 meters in width, with a draft of 8.6 meters and a design speed of 19 knots. It is equipped with two C-type LNG storage tanks, using green liquefied natural gas as primary fuel for its main engine and generators, significantly reducing nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions. With a maximum range of 15,800 nautical miles, it is a new-generation energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and high-performance car carrier.
In addition to chartering, BYD has also placed orders for multiple car carriers at domestic shipyards to meet transportation needs arising from its rapid overseas expansion. Building a dedicated ocean shipping fleet has become a key strategic priority for BYD.
Furthermore, BYD has expanded its business scope to include international ship management, non-vessel operating common carrier services, international shipping agency, port tallying, and cargo handling, signaling its ambition to play a major role in the automobile shipping market.
Data shows that in 2023, China surpassed Japan to become the world's largest automobile exporter.