On May 21st, images released by China Shipbuilding official sources revealed the construction of what is reportedly the world's largest super-large ocean-going replenishment ship, with a displacement of approximately 60,000 tons! This marks the first official appearance of imagery showing China building a 60,000-ton-class super-ocean-going replenishment vessel. This massive replenishment ship is being developed as a support vessel for China’s future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier—the 100,000-ton class Type 004 aircraft carrier. According to reports, this super-ocean-going replenishment ship measures about 271 meters in length; however, its displacement is calculated based on waterline length. The existing Type 901 replenishment ship is 241 meters long, with a waterline length of 225 meters. The new super replenishment ship will have a waterline length reaching 260 meters, with an estimated displacement of 64,000 tons! From the official images, it's evident that the two aft hangar doors can accommodate the Zhi-8 helicopter, giving a clear sense of just how large this vessel is—aside from the replenishment mast, the entire superstructure has already been completed. Indeed, the construction speed of such logistical vessels depends solely on component delivery and shipyard progress.
Earlier, the UK defense media outlet, Jane's Defence Weekly, reported that China is constructing a super-replenishment ship with a full-load displacement exceeding 60,000 tons. Currently, the largest ocean-going replenishment ship in the Chinese Navy is the Type 901, which displaces over 40,000 tons—but only two units have been commissioned so far. The new super replenishment ship being built by China is significantly larger than the Type 901, meaning China’s navy is on the verge of acquiring the world’s largest ocean-going replenishment vessel.
Overseas military bases are largely controlled by the U.S. military, while those not occupied by the U.S. are unlikely for China to gain access to. Instead, constructing a 100,000-ton, nuclear-powered transport and replenishment ship, paired with a Type 076 amphibious multi-role drone carrier for escort duties, appears more feasible. Alternatively, having Type 052D destroyers or Type 054A/B frigates provide escort protection would be even better. As seen in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, fixed land-based bases are more vulnerable to attacks. However, despite Iran’s attempts to disrupt the U.S. naval replenishment system, Iranian forces failed to hit any U.S. replenishment ships.
Although replenishment ships are not heavily armored, they are mobile targets. Globally, the number of military powers capable of precisely locating and effectively destroying moving targets at sea is limited—so few that they can be counted on one hand. Yet many nations possess the capability to strike fixed land-based targets—even small groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels can do so. In today’s era of missile and drone commodification, the barrier to attacking fixed land installations has become extremely low. Therefore, compared to fixed bases, relying on aircraft carrier strike groups supported by ocean-going replenishment ships remains a far more reliable strategy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865779266595840/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.