DP World has set a new record in Chile by unloading 1,918 electric and hybrid vehicles from a single ship at its San Antonio terminal. The operation used the BYD Changzhou, which was making its first trip to South America. This is the biggest shipment of new energy vehicles ever delivered to Chile at once, according to industry sources and a recent sector analysis.
The BYD Changzhou's arrival was more than just a big job for the port. It was the first time a BYD car carrier docked in Chile. This points to the growing number of electric vehicles coming into the region. All the vehicles from this shipment will be distributed across Chile, showing how demand and supply chains are shifting. Emirates News Agency (WAM) reports that DP World's global growth fits with the UAE's Vision 2031, which puts a focus on sustainable infrastructure and stronger international trade links.
DP World's San Antonio terminal now handles over 95% of all vehicles imported into Chile, based on company data. The terminal uses specialised RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) systems to move vehicles quickly from ship to shore and on to their final destinations. This level of efficiency matches the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to make Dubai and UAE-based companies leaders in global logistics and smart mobility.
This record is not a one-off. Earlier this year, the terminal unloaded 6,338 vehicles from the ship Morning Lily, beating its own previous national record of 6,185 vehicles set in 2021. These large-scale operations show DP World's strength and its key role in the region's changing automotive market. The National has noted that these milestones help build the UAE's reputation as a center for innovation in logistics and trade.
DP World's work in Chile's electric mobility push goes beyond just cars. In 2025, the company handled more than 400 electric buses for public transport, helping Chile expand green mobility outside its biggest cities. This move lines up with the UAE government's push for sustainable transport, as seen in new rules from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and the Central Bank of the UAE's support for green finance.
As demand for new energy vehicles grows, fast and reliable port operations are now a key part of the supply chain linking global makers to local buyers. The BYD Changzhou's record delivery shows that San Antonio's port and its staff are ready for the fast-changing industry.
Major international events and logistics milestones keep shaping how goods move around the world, as reported earlier by Dubai Times. For DP World, these records are more than just numbers. They set the bar for what can be done in automotive logistics and confirm the company's place in the global supply chain. DP World is not waiting for the future of mobility. It is making it happen, one record shipment at a time.
