The “BYD Explorer No. 1” has made its debut at the BLG AutoTerminal in Bremerhaven, Germany, marking a significant milestone for both BYD and BLG LOGISTICS. The nearly 200-meter-long Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) carrier embarked on its maiden voyage in Shenzhen, China, in mid-January and has now found a warm welcome at the BLG AutoTerminal.
What makes this occasion unique is that the “Explorer No. 1” is the first of eight vessels owned by BYD dedicated to transporting automobiles from China to Europe.
Matthias Magnor, COO and board member of the BLG Group, expressed excitement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome the BYD Explorer No. 1 on its maiden voyage at our terminal. For many years, our port has been open to automotive manufacturers worldwide. BYD’s decision underscores the significance of our location as an international hub for automotive logistics. We handle vehicle transshipment, storage, technical services, and manage distribution by truck, rail, or ship.”
The BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven, handling over 1.7 million vehicles annually, ranks among the world’s largest car terminals. Renowned car carriers regularly serve Bremerhaven, with approximately 1,000 car carriers calling at the terminal each year. The 295-hectare BLG site offers manufacturers optimal space and facilities, accommodating around 70,000 vehicles before further transport by road, rail, or water. Additionally, the BLG Group provides various technical services through three technology centers.
Optimal Conditions for Automotive Manufacturers
This milestone is not only a cause for celebration for BLG LOGISTICS but also received positive acknowledgment from Kristina Vogt, Bremen’s Senator for Economics, Ports, and Transformation. Vogt stated, “The arrival of the RoRo carrier ‘BYD Explorer No. 1’ at the BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven is a powerful example of our port’s ability to tackle specialized logistics challenges. This inaugural call not only emphasizes the efficiency of our port infrastructure but also confirms Bremerhaven’s essential role in the seamless handling of international automotive transports, particularly in the RoRo loading sector.”
BYD employs both RoRo carriers, like the “BYD Explorer No. 1,” and container shipments for its vehicle logistics. Matthias Magnor highlighted the advantages of Bremerhaven, stating, “Bremerhaven offers both options in a free port, a unique feature in Europe and a significant advantage for our customers.”
This momentous occasion further solidifies Bremerhaven’s standing as a global hub for automotive logistics and underscores the strategic significance of BLG AutoTerminal in facilitating seamless and efficient international trade in the automotive sector.
