Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has launched the world’s largest car carrier ship, marking a strategic leap in its global expansion plans. The vessel, named Explorer No. 1, was unveiled at a ceremony in China and is designed to transport up to 7,000 vehicles per voyage, making it the largest of its kind currently in operation.
The new ship will support BYD’s growing international footprint, with planned routes covering Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. As demand for Chinese EVs accelerates overseas, Explorer No. 1 underscores BYD’s intent to control more of its supply chain—minimising reliance on third-party logistics, cutting costs, and ensuring faster delivery.
The move reflects BYD’s broader strategy to vertically integrate its operations from manufacturing to logistics and sales, a model popularized by Tesla. With this initiative, BYD not only strengthens its export capabilities but also positions itself as a formidable competitor in the global EV race.
Company officials confirmed that the carrier will primarily serve BYD’s rising vehicle shipments to foreign markets, coinciding with the firm’s investments in overseas factories and sales networks. This development comes amid intensifying global competition, with Chinese brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng gaining ground over established automakers in Europe, the U.S., and Japan.
The launch of Explorer No. 1 signals a shift in how carmakers approach logistics, transforming it into a strategic asset in the race for global EV dominance. The ship is expected to begin operations soon, transporting thousands of EVs as BYD accelerates its global disruption of the traditional automotive landscape.
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