The BYD Shenzhen, the world's largest car carrier ship to date, was delivered in east China's Jiangsu Province on Tuesday ahead of its maiden voyage to Brazil later this week.
Measuring almost 220 meters long and over 37 meters wide, the ship can ferry up to 9,200 vehicles, around 100 more than the world's previous largest automobile cargo ship, the Hoegh Aurora.
Named after the southern tech hub where Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is headquartered, the vessel is the fourth large automobile ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ship independently operated by the company, which is also currently the world's largest EV manufacturer.
The new ship is designed with environmental sustainability at its core and features liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel technology, which enables it to run on both LNG and traditional marine fuels. It is also equipped with energy-saving devices which can significantly cut carbon missions during operation.
BYD has been steadily building up its fleet of ro-ro ships as part of its global expansion strategy. The company led China's global vehicle sales last year with 4.27 million units sold, a 41.26 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from the carmaker.
The BYD Shenzhen is scheduled to set sail from Jiangsu's Taicang Port to Brazil in the coming days, helping to transport more cars to the key Latin American market as the demand for Chinese-made electric vehicles continues to rise worldwide.
"Last year, China exported over five million vehicles to more than 200 countries and regions, effectively meeting the needs of consumers all over the world," Fu Bingfeng, executive vice president of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing.
World's largest car carrier ship delivered ahead of maiden voyage
Various departments in south China's Guangdong Province have been working together to facilitate the passenger flow for the ongoing Canton Fair and the upcoming May Day holiday.
The 137th edition of the Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the country's key expo for export. Its third phase, which kicked off on Wednesday, coincides with the bustling May Day holiday from Thursday to next Monday.
The Pazhou Ferry Terminal, located 300 meters from the Canton Fair complex and the only downtown waterborne cross-border hub in Guangzhou, has become a key entry point for international attendees.
Over 7,500 foreign passengers passed through the terminal from the Canton Fair's opening to Wednesday, a 40 percent year-on-year increase, according to the terminal's Zhoutouzui Border Inspection Station.
"The passenger volume is expected to grow from last year. We have dispatched additional police forces to the entry and exit hall at the terminal. Meanwhile, we have set up a special channel for the Canton Fair to ensure that all inspection channels are open during peak hours," said Yan Xuezheng, an immigration officer at Zhoutouzui border inspection station.
Guangzhou's transport authorities have mobilized around 2,000 taxis and ride-hailing vehicles daily around the Canton Fair venue for the travel rush of the fair participants and holiday travelers.
The Guangzhou Public Transport Group has arranged 1,500 overnight patrol taxis and 500 emergency vehicles on standby to address sudden demand spikes.
"During the May Day holiday, more than 12,700 cruising taxis will be dispatched to the area around the Canton Fair venue, to ensure the transportation during the peak passenger flow period," said Chen Weijian, a youth volunteer at Guangzhou Public Transport Group.
Youth volunteers have been stationed across the fair complex to provide guidance. At the same time, the city's Commerce Bureau partnered with ride-hailing platforms to offer discounted "welcome packages," encouraging visitors to explore Guangzhou's cultural charm and experience its unique lifestyle.
The Canton Fair has been held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou since its founding in 1957 and has been seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade.
Guangdong steps up passenger flow management for holiday and Canton Fair
