Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is quietly building a fleet of car-carrying ships, a strategic move to secure its global supply chain and reduce dependence on third-party shippers. According to verified reports, BYD has ordered at least eight roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels, each capable of carrying thousands of vehicles, to support its expanding exports to Europe, Southeast Asia, and other markets.
The first of these ships, the BYD Explorer No.1, began operations in early 2024, transporting EVs from China to Europe. This vessel, with a capacity of 7,000 cars, is part of a broader plan to control logistics costs and ensure timely deliveries amid global shipping disruptions. BYD's move mirrors similar strategies by other automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen, but the scale of BYD's investment is notable given its rapid growth in overseas sales.
BYD's vehicle exports surged in 2025, with over 500,000 units shipped abroad, a significant increase from previous years. The company's in-house shipping fleet is expected to handle a substantial portion of this volume, potentially lowering per-vehicle transport costs by 10-15%. This vertical integration is seen as a key competitive advantage, especially as geopolitical tensions and shipping bottlenecks continue to challenge the industry.
