Car manufacturer BYD builds its own fleet of carriers

November 10, 2023

BYD is another Chinese car manufacturer entering the shipping industry. Several car freighters are being built at domestic shipyards.

BYD is doing the same as its competitors, both in China and in Europe: in order to have sufficient tonnage available for increasing exports, the company is having its own freighters built. [ds_preview]

Two PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carriers), each with a capacity of 7,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Unit), will be the first. With a length of 200 m and a width of 38 m, the ships will be able to run at 18.5 knots.

BYD has ordered further newbuildings

Guangzhou Shipyard has been awarded the contract to build the approximately 200 m long ships. The first ship is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025.
This will be followed by four further, even larger ships. The units ordered from CMHI Jinling and CMHI-Jiangsu will be able to carry around 9,400 CEU when powered by LNG.

Other Chinese car manufacturers are also pushing into shipping. Companies such as Chery, JAC Motors and SAIC have either ordered their own ships or sought partners such as the domestic shipping company Cosco in order to be able to bring the increasing number of export cars to the market.

The car transportation segment is booming. Worldwide, 170 newbuildings have been ordered.