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
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
