Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD is planning to put seven new car carriers into operation in the coming two years to meet the growing export demand.
Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD stated in Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference, “BYD is going to deploy seven car carriers in the coming two years to ease the shortage of shipping capacity for automobile exports and deliver more Guangdong-made (BYD’s headquarters) vehicle into global automobile market.”
BYD’s first car carrier has launched into operation in January this year servicing for China-Europe routes. The 7,000 ceu was built by CIMC Raffles, ordered by Zodiac Maritime for charter to the Chinese automotive manufacturer.
Related: BYD’s first car carrier sets sail
At the end of 2022, BYD ordered four 9,400 ceu LNG dual-fuel car carriers from two shipyards under China Merchants Group, which are due for delivery starting from 2025.
In 2023, BYD made a breakthrough in new-energy, primarily battery-powered, vehicle sales exceeding 3 million units, an increase of over 60% year-on-year.
Related: Shipowners gear up for surging Chinese automotive exports
BYD is the world’s largest of electric vehicles having surpassed Telsa in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Reference: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ship-operations/byd-expanding-fleet-seven-new-car-carriers-2025