BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries, today initiated a groundbreaking chapter in the maritime transportation of NEVs with the inaugural voyage of its first dedicated roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) carrier, EXPLORER NO.1. The vessel was officially delivered at Yantai Port in Shandong Province on January 10th before commencing its maiden journey from Xiaomo International Logistics Port in Shenzhen, China.
The EXPLORER NO.1, proudly bearing the BYD nameplate, will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to BYD’s international logistics capabilities amidst constrained global ro-ro shipping resources. Measuring 199.9 meters in length, the vessel also exemplifies BYD’s commitment to sustainable shipping owing to pioneering advancements in green and intelligent shipbuilding technologies. With an exceptional loading capacity of 7,000 vehicles, the EXPLORER NO.1 is equipped with an innovative dual-fuel LNG (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, truly embodying BYD’s vision for a greener maritime transportation era.
Wang Junbao, General Manager of BYD Corporate Division, highlighted that China’s NEV industry achieved a historic milestone in the previous year with sales and production exceeding 9 million units, significantly contributing to global green mobility. The successful launch of EXPLORER NO.1 marks a pivotal step for BYD in expanding overseas markets. In line with its collaborative spirit, the company plans to not only deploy these ro-ro ships for its own operations but also engage in open partnerships, forging a new epoch for Chinese automakers on the international stage.
Capitalizing on its leadership position in the NEV sector through industrial scale, advanced technology, and manufacturing prowess, BYD achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, exporting 242,765 NEVs with a stunning year-on-year growth of 334.2%. Meanwhile, its total annual NEV sales soared to over 3.02 million units, solidifying BYD’s status as the world’s foremost seller of new energy vehicles. Today, BYD’s new energy footprint spans six continents, engaging over 70 countries and regions worldwide, reaching into more than 400 cities, emphasizing its profound impact and reach in promoting green mobility solutions across the globe.
