BYD ro-ro set for Oz

The first special shipment of almost 5,000 extra BYD and Denza new-energy vehicles (NEVs) has left Shanghai and is on its way down under.

The fleet is aboard the BYD Zhengzhou, one of eight purpose-built and company-owned roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. It will first arrive in Melbourne on June 2 before going to Sydney and Brisbane.

The activation of the BYD Zhengzhou for its maiden Australian voyage is in response to the company’s commitment to deliver 30,000 vehicles to fill orders and meet the increase in demand for NEVs at the height of cost-of-living pressures.

Essential workers who have placed an order for a BYD with a fully electric or super-hybrid powertrain will be among the first to take delivery.

BYD’s most popular battery-electric models – the family-sized BYD Sealion 7 SUV and Atto 2 compact SUV – dominate the cargo. They account for more than 2,000 of the 4,810 BYD vehicles on board. Denza’s B5 off-roader and D9 luxury mover are also being transported.

The cargo will be evenly dispersed between the three ports to ensure buyers along the east coast take delivery of their cars with minimal delay.

Stephen Collins, chief operating officer of BYD Australia, says the Zhengzhou’s arrival will be a milestone moment for the company across the Tasman.

“BYD is demonstrating it has the ability to respond quickly to customer needs,” he adds. “Our vertically integrated system allows us to scale production as required with a fleet of BYD-owned vessels ready to take cars wherever they need to go almost anywhere in the way.”

The ro-ro is set to travel about 9,756km across the Pacific Ocean with arrival anticipated 14 days after departure.

Its captain, Zhao Taotao, says it’s a privilege to be at the helm of the first BYD vessel to sail to the lucky country, and more vessel journeys to Australia are planned in the weeks and months ahead.

He adds: “We will not only ensure a stable and energy-efficient voyage but also safeguard the vehicles throughout the journey and deliver them in perfect condition.” 

Zhao will provide en-route updates via www.shipfinder.com. For a video of the BYD Zhengzhou’s uploading and departure to Australia, click here.

And if that’s not enough, there’s a video of Liu Xueliang, BYD’s vice-president and general manager of Asia-Pacific, celebrating the ro-ro’s maiden voyage down under. Click here to watch it.