A roll-on/roll-off vessel operated by China’s BYD docked this week at the port of Zárate, in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province, to unload vehicles destined for the local market, highlighting the automaker’s accelerating expansion in South America and its growing reliance on dedicated maritime logistics.
With capacity for up to 7,000 vehicles, the operation drew attention not only for its scale but also because both the cargo and the ship belong to BYD itself, a strategy increasingly used by the company to gain tighter control over its international supply chain.
The vessel, named Changzhou, is part of BYD’s in-house fleet, which currently comprises eight car carriers purpose-built for vehicle transport. Launched in 2024, the ship is about 200 meters long, sails under the Liberian flag and is operated by a crew of 21, led by a Russian captain.
According to the company, Changzhou is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system, running on liquefied natural gas and conventional marine fuel. BYD plans to add seven more vessels to its fleet over the coming years as part of a global strategy to strengthen its proprietary logistics in the international vehicle trade.
The vessel
Vehicles are stowed across 13 decks connected by internal ramps, enabling roll-on/roll-off operations. Each unit is individually secured to the steel deck, with minimal spacing to prevent movement during the voyage. Unloading at Zárate proceeded at an average pace of about 150 vehicles per hour.
Despite its size, the vessel operates with a high level of automation and advanced digital systems on the bridge, reflecting the profile of a new-generation car carrier. On the outer decks, mannequins positioned at strategic points are used as a deterrent against potential piracy attempts on international routes.
The Changzhou departed from China and completed the final leg of its journey from Singapore, crossing the Indian Ocean in roughly 23 days before reaching the Río de la Plata estuary.
The shipment
The shipment included electric and hybrid models already sold by BYD in Argentina, as well as units of a new compact hybrid SUV the company plans to launch in the country in the coming weeks. The call at Zárate also signals an expansion of BYD’s local lineup, with additional models expected to enter the Argentine market in 2026.
For maritime and foreign trade specialists, the operation underscores the growing presence of Chinese automakers in the regional automotive market and highlights the strategic role of dedicated ocean car carriers in reducing costs, improving predictability and supporting large-scale import flows into South America.
Source: Clarín
