BYD cargo ship can carry over 9,000 electric cars

SHENZHEN: BYD has launched the Shenzhen, the world's largest car transport ship, capable of carrying up to 9,200 vehicles. It has now set sail on its first ocean voyage.

This giant of the seas is 219 metres long and 37.7 metres wide, and can carry up to 9,200 cars on a total of 16 decks, setting a new record.

This ship is a roll-on/roll off — or RoRo — vessel, a type of cargo ship specially designed to carry vehicles or other goods on wheels.

The vessel is powered by a dual-fuel system combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine diesel. The Shenzhen is also equipped with batteries made by BYD, which reduce its CO2 emissions during port maneuvers.

Ultimately, BYD aims to have eight large RoRo vessels by 2026, more or less equivalent to this one, in order to boost its export capacity and, above all, control its entire supply chain as it conquers new international markets, notably Europe and South America.

The Shenzhen's maiden voyage takes it to Brazil, with more than 7,000 brand-new electric vehicles on board.