Chinese automaker BYD is preparing to expand its dedicated Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) capacity, although reports that it has ordered 10 new 9,200-CEU vessels remain unconfirmed.
Industry sources indicate that BYD has been in discussions with shipyards over potential newbuildings, with vessel configurations of around 8,600 CEU and 9,200 CEU reportedly under consideration. The final number of vessels, ship size and shipyard allocation have yet to be decided.
Reports naming China Merchants Industry as the builder of 10 vessels for delivery between 2027 and 2029 have therefore not been confirmed.
The development highlights BYD’s continued push to secure dedicated maritime capacity as its vehicle exports expand globally. The company is increasingly looking at a combination of owned and long-term chartered tonnage to support its international automotive trade.
Separately, Guangzhou Shipyard International has secured contracts for 10 LNG dual-fuel PCTCs of around 8,200 CEU, valued at more than $1 billion. Those vessels are being ordered by Israeli shipowner Ray Car Carriers and are not a direct BYD order.
The market is now watching the scale and structure of BYD’s next fleet expansion, including whether the company opts for direct ownership, long-term charters or a combination of both.