Update 14 Sep 2026, 18:34 UTC:
DP World has successfully handled the largest single maritime delivery of new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Chile, discharging 1,918 fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles at its multipurpose terminal in San Antonio. This milestone also marks the inaugural visit of a BYD car carrier, the BYD Changzhou, to a Chilean port as part of its first route to South America.
The delivery is pivotal as it aligns with the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market in Chile. According to the Chilean Automotive Association (ANAC), sales of electric vehicles increased by 165.4% year over year in the first half of 2026, with plug-in vehicles now constituting 6.5% of the country’s new light and medium-duty vehicle market.
DP World’s Role in Automotive Logistics
DP World’s efficient operations in San Antonio continue to underscore its role as the leading gateway for automotive cargo in Chile. More than 95% of the country’s vehicle imports are processed through this terminal, owing to its specialized roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capabilities and a proficient team experienced in automotive logistics. Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, highlighted the necessity for reliable infrastructure and logistics partners to manage increasingly complex supply chains as vehicle volumes rise.
This successful operation follows another significant automotive milestone at DP World San Antonio earlier in the year when the M/V Morning Lily set a new national record by discharging 6,338 vehicles. This figure surpassed the previous record of 6,185 vehicles, also achieved at the same terminal in 2021.
Impact on the Electric Vehicle Landscape
As the electric vehicle sector in Chile continues to gain momentum, specialized logistics will play an essential role in the evolving landscape. The infrastructure and operational expertise provided by DP World in San Antonio enable a seamless flow from vessel discharge through terminal handling to onward distribution throughout the country. In 2025, DP World also managed the arrival of over 400 electric buses aimed at enhancing sustainable public transportation across Chile.
Behind the Headline
This record shipment signifies not only the growth of the electric vehicle market in Chile but also the establishment of robust logistics capabilities necessary to support it. With the automotive industry transitioning toward sustainable technologies, terminals like DP World’s in San Antonio are becoming critical nodes in the supply chain. Operators and manufacturers worldwide must focus on building partnerships with logistics providers adept at handling new energy vehicles as demand increases. The successful discharge and distributed logistics of electric and hybrid vehicles will likely set precedence for future operations as Chile advances toward a more sustainable automotive landscape.
