The BYD SHENZHEN docks at the Modern Terminal. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

The BYD SHENZHEN, BYD's self-operated ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) car carrier embarked on its maiden voyage from Xiamen Port on Nov 24, carrying 1,768 of the company's new energy vehicles to Mexico. The departure took place at the Modern Terminal in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone.

As the largest vessel in BYD's self-operated fleet, the BYD SHENZHEN boasts a capacity of 9,200 car equivalent units (CEU). It utilizes an LNG/diesel dual-fuel propulsion system and marks the first application of BYD's independently developed box-type battery packs and shaft generator technology. Coupled with a high-voltage shore power system, it achieves "zero carbon emissions" throughout the entire cargo handling process while docked in port.

BYD new energy vehicles are ready to be loaded and shipped. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

The vehicle ro-ro berth at the Modern Terminal is capable of simultaneously berthing two large ro-ro vessels and conducting synchronous operations. Unlike common container ships, a ro-ro vessel resembles a large moving parking lot, allowing vehicles to drive directly into its hull. This eliminates the need for container lifting and enhances transportation efficiency.

During this maiden voyage, the Modern Terminal simultaneously operated six loading lines, efficiently completing the entire ship-loading process for all vehicles in just 12 hours. The overall operation was smooth and well-organized.

According to statistics from Xiamen Customs, from January to October, Xiamen exported new energy vehicles worth 6.1 billion yuan ($861 million), marking a year-on-year increase of 74.1 percent.