DP World made the largest single maritime delivery of new energy vehicles to Chile. This shipment included 1,918 electric and hybrid dual-fuel vehicles that were unloaded at the company's multipurpose terminal in the Port of San Antonio. This delivery also marks the first time a ship carrying BYD vehicles has visited the Chilean port, with the BYD Changzhou entering the country as part of its initial route to South America.
Distribution in the Chilean Market
The unloaded vehicles are prepared for distribution in the Chilean market. According to BYD, this shipment represents the largest number of new energy vehicles ever sent to Chile by a single ship. This event occurs as the electric vehicle market in Chile is rapidly expanding. According to data from the Chilean Automobile Association (ANAC), electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2026 increased by 165.4 percent compared to the previous year, and the share of hybrid vehicles in the light and medium new vehicle market reached 6.5 percent.
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DP World’s Role in the Automotive Market
This operation also strengthens DP World’s position in San Antonio as Chile's main gateway for automotive cargo, with over 95 percent of the country's vehicle imports handled through this terminal. The specialized Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) capabilities, experienced teams, and established operational processes at this terminal allow vehicles to be efficiently and safely transported from unloading to distribution.
Cortes Durion, CEO of DP World in Chile, said: “The arrival of BYD Changzhou demonstrates the scale and capability of our automotive operations in San Antonio. As vehicle volumes increase and automotive technology evolves, manufacturers require reliable infrastructure and experienced logistics partners to manage more complex supply chains. Our team has developed deep expertise in automotive logistics that enables us to connect global manufacturers safely and effectively to the Chilean market.”
This operation follows another record achievement for DP World in San Antonio earlier this year, when the terminal set a new national record for the largest vehicle unloading in Chile's history. The M/V Morning Lily unloaded 6,338 vehicles in February, breaking the previous record of 6,185 vehicles set in 2021 at the San Antonio terminal.
In 2025, DP World managed the entry and unloading of over 400 electric buses designed for distribution across the country to support the expansion of sustainable public transport in Chile.
- 1,918: Electric and hybrid dual-fuel vehicles unloaded from BYD Changzhou. The largest NEV shipment ever sent to Chile.
- 400+: Electric buses managed for distribution across Chile in 2025, supporting the expansion of sustainable public transport.
- 95%+: Share of vehicles imported to Chile managed through DP World’s San Antonio terminal.
- 6,338: Vehicles unloaded from M/V Morning Lily in February. The largest vehicle unloading from a ship in Chile's history.
As the adoption of new energy vehicles expands in Chile, specialized automotive logistics will play an increasing role in supporting this growth. Utilizing the multipurpose terminal in San Antonio, DP World provides the infrastructure, expertise, and operational capabilities to support automotive supply chains and connect global manufacturers to customers in the Chilean market.
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