DP World Handles Record BYD NEV Shipment to Chile | Mariner News
DP World’s multipurpose terminal in San Antonio, Chile, has handled the largest single maritime delivery of new energy vehicles (NEVs) to the country, with 1,918 fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles discharged. The milestone also marked the inaugural call of a BYD car carrier, the BYD Changzhou, to a Chilean port as part of its first route to South America.
The shipment represents the largest number of NEVs ever delivered to Chile aboard a single vessel. The vehicles were discharged for distribution across the Chilean market.
This record arrival underscores the rapid expansion of Chile’s electric vehicle (EV) market. According to the Chilean Automotive Association (ANAC), sales of plug-in vehicles surged by 165.4% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, reaching 6.5% of the country’s new light- and medium-duty vehicle market.
The operation further solidifies DP World in San Antonio’s position as Chile’s primary gateway for automotive cargo, handling over 95% of the nation’s vehicle imports, supported by its specialized roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capabilities and experienced teams.
The deployment of the BYD Changzhou, identified as a BYD car carrier on an inaugural South America route, suggests a strategic shift by the OEM to enhance control over its outbound logistics chain. This move indicates a potential trend towards vertical integration into shipping operations, through direct vessel ownership or long-term chartering commitments, which could alter demand patterns for traditional third-party RoRo services.
The significant increase in NEV volumes, as evidenced by this record shipment and Chile’s accelerating market growth, will intensify pressure on port infrastructure to meet specialized handling and storage requirements for battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This demand includes enhanced safety protocols and potentially dedicated charging facilities, further cementing the competitive advantage of terminals already equipped with advanced RoRo capabilities.
