The new dual-fuel car carrier BYD Xi’an, one of the world’s largest of its kind, has made its maiden transit through the Suez Canal. Measuring approximately 219.9 m in length with the capacity to transport over 9,200 vehicles, the vessel is designed to operate on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and conventional marine fuels.
The BYD Xi’an successfully passed through the canal as part of a southbound convoy, en route from Singapore toward the Mediterranean. During its maiden voyage, the vessel carried around 7,000 electric vehicles. Its successful transit marks another milestone following its sister ship, BYD Hefei, which completed the canal crossing in late June 2025 Facebook+6Offshore Energy+6Ship & Bunker+6Amwal Al Ghad.
The ship’s captain highlighted the Suez Canal as offering the shortest, safest, and most efficient route between East and West, reducing both distance and transit time compared to the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope Ahram Online. Analysts see the renewed presence of car carriers like the BYD Xi’an as a vote of confidence in the canal’s vital role in global automotive logistics.
🌍 Wider Impact
The deployment of LNG-capable car carriers reflects the ongoing shift toward cleaner energy in maritime transport. As global automakers expand overseas distribution, BYD’s expanded fleet and increased transits through strategic waterways underscore the pivotal role of these routes in cost-effective and low-emission vehicle shipping.
🔍 Interesting Fact
The BYD Xi’an features 16 vehicle decks—highlighting how modern car carriers combine immense capacity with environmental efficiency as dual-fuel vessels become industry benchmarks.
