DP World Handles Record Byd New Energy Vehicle Shipment To Chile

DP World has successfully managed the largest single maritime shipment of new energy vehicles to Chile, with 1,918 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles unloaded at its multipurpose terminal in San Antonio. This marked the first time a BYD car carrier docked at a Chilean port, as part of its inaugural route to South America. The vehicles were distributed throughout the Chilean market.

This achievement highlights the rapid expansion of Chile's electric vehicle (EV) market, which saw a 165.4% increase in sales year-over-year during the first half of 2026, with plug-in vehicles accounting for 6.5% of the country's new light and medium-duty vehicle market. DP World's presence in San Antonio has solidified its role as the leading gateway for automotive cargo in Chile, handling over 95% of the country's vehicle imports through its terminal.

The terminal's roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capabilities, experienced teams, and established operating processes ensure efficient and safe movement of vehicles from vessel discharge to terminal handling and onward distribution. Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, emphasized that the arrival of the BYD Changzhou showcased the scale and capability of the company's automotive operations in San Antonio, as vehicle volumes grow and automotive technology evolves.

This milestone follows another historic event at DP World in San Antonio, where the terminal set a new national record for the largest vehicle discharge in Chile, with 6,338 vehicles unloaded on a single vessel, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. In 2025, DP World managed the arrival and discharge of over 400 electric buses for deployment across Chile, supporting the expansion of sustainable public transportation beyond major urban centers.