Geely Auto has deployed its first self-operated car carrier vessel, the Jisu Fortune, marking a key step in expanding its overseas logistics capabilities as competition intensifies in China’s rapidly growing new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.
The vessel, operated by Geelyās logistics subsidiary Jisu Logistics, embarked on its maiden voyage from the port of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on May 22. According to a statement from the port authority, Jisu Fortune will transport more than 5,000 vehicles to markets in Europe, including the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
With a total length of 199.9 meters and a beam of 38 meters, Jisu Fortune is equipped with 12 decks and offers capacity for 7,000 standard vehicles. The vessel can accommodate fuel-powered, battery-electric, and even hydrogen- and natural gas-powered vehicles on its upper decks. Fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is fitted with two 2,000-cubic-meter LNG storage tanks to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, the port authority said.
Although Jisu Fortune is Geelyās first self-operated carrier, it is chartered from UK-based shipowner Zodiac Maritime Ltd, according to maritime outlet Xinde Marine News. Geely joins BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY), which has already launched seven car carriersāseveral also chartered from Zodiac Maritimeāas it scales up exports. Geely ranked second in China’s NEV market during January to April with 440,592 units sold, capturing 13.3% market share, while BYD led with 964,940 units and a 29% share, according to the China Passenger Car Association.