BYD’s ro-ro sets sail
BYD says it has “initiated a groundbreaking chapter in the maritime transportation of new energy vehicles [NEVs]” with the inaugural voyage of its first dedicated roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) carrier.
The Explorer No.1 was officially delivered to Yantai Port in Shandong province on January 10 before starting its maiden journey from Xiaomo International Logistics Port in Shenzhen, China.
The ro-ro, which bears the BYD nameplate, will provide a significant boost to BYD’s international logistics capabilities amidst “constrained” global shipping resources. Coming in at 199.9 metres long, it boasts advancements in green and intelligent shipbuilding technologies, says the company.
With a loading capacity of 7,000 vehicles, the Explorer No.1 is equipped with an innovative dual-fuel – liquefied natural gas and conventional fuel – propulsion system. Over the next two years, seven more vessels are expected to join the fleet, all integrating BYD’s energy-storage battery tech and shaft generator systems.
Wang Junbao, general manager of BYD Corporate Division, says China’s NEV industry achieved a milestone in 2023 with sales and production exceeding nine million units.
The successful launch of Explorer No.1 marks a pivotal step for BYD in expanding overseas markets. The company plans to not only deploy these ro-ro ships for its own operations but also engage in open partnerships to forge “a new epoch for Chinese automakers on the international stage”.
Capitalising on its leadership position in the NEV sector through industrial scale, advanced technology and manufacturing prowess, BYD achieved exported 242,765 NEVs in 2023 for year-on-year growth of 334.2 per cent.
Meanwhile, its total annual NEV sales soared to more than 3.02 million units, solidifying its status as the world’s foremost seller of such vehicles.
BYD was founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker. It now boasts a diverse business scope covering vehicles, rail transit, new energy and electronics with more than 30 industrial parks in China, the US, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary and India.
Founded in 2003, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has developed the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of NEVs such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers and automotive-grade semiconductors.
It has witnessed, in recent years, significant technological advancements including the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid Technology, e Platform 3.0, CTB Technology, e Platform, BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and DMO super hybrid system.
