【Foreign Media: China Building a "Giant" Replenishment Ship for Its Aircraft Carrier Strike Group】

According to a report from U.S. Warzone (TWZ) on July 17, 2026: A massive and strikingly distinctive vessel is beginning to take shape at a shipyard along China's southeast coast. Based on current evidence, this vessel is highly likely to be the world’s largest naval replenishment ship. Such vessels are of critical importance in supporting the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy’s growing “blue-water” long-range ambitions, particularly enabling conventional-powered aircraft carriers, air wings, and escort fleets to conduct missions far from home bases and friendly ports over extended periods.

The vessel is being constructed at the Longxue Island shipyard, located southeast of Guangzhou City. According to analysis of Planet Labs satellite imagery, construction has been underway at least since February of this year. The facility is operated by a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), currently known as China Ocean Marine & Defense Equipment Co., Ltd. (COMEC), formerly named Guangzhou Guangship International Co., Ltd. (GSI).

The new vessel under scrutiny at Longxue Island measures approximately 885 feet (270 meters) in length based on existing satellite image calculations, with a maximum beam (width) of 121 feet (37 meters). The bow features an upper structure with a prominent bridge deck equipped with extensive wing decks and a mast at its apex; the stern includes a separate superstructure with exhaust chimneys positioned forward.

In May, China Shipbuilding Group released a photograph from COMEC/GSI’s shipyard showing a close-up view of the stern. The image reportedly originated from a social media post celebrating the transition between traditional Chinese solar terms. Visible behind the stern superstructure is a large hangar with two openings. The large flight deck and hangar structure at the stern are also taking shape.

Planet Labs satellite imagery dated July 2 further revealed two large openings on the right side of the stern superstructure. These openings may be used for launching and recovering small vessels such as lifeboats, or could serve merely as personnel access points or workspaces.

However, the area between the two superstructures may represent the vessel’s most distinctive feature. Along both sides of the hull, near the ship’s sides, several column-like vertical structures are visible—characteristics that strongly align with naval vessels specifically designed for underway horizontal fuel transfer and dry cargo operations. Meanwhile, the flight deck and hangar at the stern support vertical replenishment via helicopters.

A report from Jane’s Defence Weekly in April this year noted: “The vessel’s broad beam, straight hull lines, and full mid-body section suggest design prioritization of internal volume over speed alone—typical characteristics of large fleet replenishment ships intended to deliver fuel, dry stores, and ammunition to carrier strike groups.”

The vessel’s design language also follows modern Chinese naval standards, sharing a layout highly similar to the current 901-type integrated replenishment ship. The smaller 903-type replenishment ship currently in service also adopts a comparable configuration.

Overall, the new vessel at COMEC/GSI shipyard closely resembles an enlarged version of the 901-type. The existing 901-type is already a large vessel, measuring about 787 feet (240 meters) in length, with a beam of nearly 102 feet (31 meters), and a full-load displacement of approximately 45,000 tons. For reference, the U.S. Navy’s newest “John Lewis”-class replenishment oiler is less than 746 feet (227.3 meters) long and has a beam of about 105 feet (32.2 meters).

The exact configuration and capabilities of the new vessel remain to be seen, especially regarding its self-defense weapon systems, which are still unclear. The current 901-type is equipped with four H/PJ-13 30mm Gatling gun turrets for short-range defense.

Underway replenishment capability is crucial for any navy aiming to sustain prolonged blue-water operations. Even in peacetime, suitable ports for large warships in the vast Pacific Ocean are extremely limited, and during wartime, these ports are likely to become direct targets.

For the Chinese Navy, with the increasing number of conventionally powered aircraft carriers, the demand for maritime replenishment is especially urgent. Beyond fuel required for the carrier’s own propulsion, its air wing also needs continuous refueling. A complete carrier strike group composed of conventionally powered escort vessels routinely depends on replenishment ships to maintain combat effectiveness. During combat operations, replenishment ships must also deliver essential ammunition stocks to forward-deployed vessels.

The new vessel’s substantial length and width will provide significantly greater internal volume compared to existing classes, allowing it to carry more fuel, ammunition, spare parts, food, and other supplies—thereby greatly enhancing the sustained combat capability of carrier strike groups operating far at sea. Other naval units requiring long-range logistical support are also increasing in number, including the anticipated “giant” Type 076 amphibious assault ship capable of carrying large-scale aviation groups, as well as the steadily growing number of Type 075 amphibious assault ships.

At a time when China’s navy is advancing its modernization and expansion efforts across all fronts—with scale and scope pointing toward more frequent and longer-duration blue-water operations—the appearance of this vessel at COMEC/GSI shipyard is significant. China is also investing globally—especially in the Pacific region—in building a network of naval port facilities to support these activities. However, it must be emphasized that relying on foreign ports during wartime is often impractical—host nations may remain neutral, and the ports themselves could become prime targets.

Disclaimer: All equipment data and images cited above originate from reports published by Warzone.

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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871000878299211/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.