One of the world’s largest vehicle carriers completes transit through the Suez Canal

The Suez Canal marked a significant milestone today with the maiden transit of BYD XI’AN, one of the largest vehicle carriers globally, as part of the Canal’s southern convoy.

The vessel is en route from Singapore to Italy, according to Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority.

Measuring 219 meters in length, with a beam of 37 meters and a draft of 10 meters, the ship boasts a vehicle capacity of 9,442 units. On this voyage, it is transporting 7,000 vehicles.

The vessel is operated by Chinese shipping line BYD, affiliated with China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. This marks the second transit by the line through the Suez Canal, following the passage of BYD HEFEI on June 27.

Admiral Rabiee noted encouraging signs of steady vehicle carrier traffic through the Canal, emphasizing an increase in transit activity despite prevailing global challenges.

He highlighted expectations for more frequent voyages by the BYD shipping line, in addition to consistent passages by COSCO Shipping in collaboration with Neptune Lines, which operate maritime services connecting the Far East to the Mediterranean.

Moreover, two recent transits were completed under a new service launched in February by United Global Ro-Ro, linking Far Eastern ports with destinations in the Mediterranean and northwest Europe.

Admiral Rabiee reiterated that the resurgence of vehicle carrier traffic through the Suez Canal is a clear signal of confidence in the Canal’s role as a vital artery for global East-West trade.

He affirmed that the return of major shipping lines is a gradual yet inevitable development, shaped by ongoing regional and geopolitical dynamics. He projected a minimum 20% increase in vehicle carrier tonnage in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half of the year.

Captain Rizwan Kapadi, master of BYD XI’AN, also underscored the strategic advantages of the Suez Canal, describing it as the shortest, fastest, and safest route for global maritime trade.

He cited significant time and distance savings, enhanced navigational safety standards, and stable weather conditions as key advantages over the alternative Cape of Good Hope route.

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