The world's largest cargo ship, capable of carrying 9,200 cars, is owned by BYD. On April 27, the Chinese brand launched it from its hometown of Shenzhen, giving it the same name. In December 2024, another cargo ship, named Changzhou, arrived, in addition to the Explorer No. 1, which was inaugurated in January 2024. These two huge ships, however, do not equal the new Shenzhen: rather than 7,000 cars, it can carry 9,200. Two other ships are still planned, to help the Chinese brand export its cars everywhere, without relying on an external company.
In terms of dimensions, the new ship measures 220 meters long and 37.7 meters wide. In height, it has 12 levels, more than most parking lots... The total surface area to accommodate the new BYD vehicles reaches 20 football fields. To deliver its cars on time, it will be able to count on powerful engines that will drive it up to 34.3 km/h accompanied by of two types of fuel: liquefied natural gas, in addition to conventional marine fuel.
BYD chose Brazil for its maiden voyage. And it's no surprise. The brand has big ambitions there, and a factory project – the largest after the one in China – was suspended due to revelations about slave-like working conditions at the company in charge of building the site. The Brazilian site was to be BYD's first factory outside of Asia. Of its 4 million electrified vehicles sold worldwide in 2024, the brand sold 170,000 in Brazil, an 85% increase year-on-year. The new ship will lend a helping hand by building a bridge between China and the emerging country, with 9,200 deliveries possible.
BYD's Growth and European Plant Plans
In the first three months of 2025, BYD's sales in Brazil increased by 29.8%, reaching 206,000 units in all foreign markets combined. Compared to the first quarter of last year, the number has already doubled. In Europe, the manufacturer expects its sales to double. Other growth markets will be Japan, Mexico, and South Korea.
In Europe, negotiations have resumed regarding customs duties with Chinese manufacturers. Brussels is not seeking to be more flexible, but to take advantage of the trade war between China and the United States. While waiting for an alternative solution to be found to address import costs, BYD is counting on numerous European factories under construction. The largest of these will be in Hungary, and is due to open this year. In March, Brussels opened an investigation into this factory to determine whether the manufacturer had benefited from illegal subsidies for its work, creating an unfair advantage in the market. European.
At the same time, a factory will open in Turkey, and a third site is in the pipeline. "The location and timing are still being discussed," BYD President Stella Li said in early March.
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