China Nears Launch of World's Largest Naval Support Ship

China appears to be close to launching the world’s largest naval support ship.

On Thursday, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation released a picture of one of its shipyards on social media as part of a message marking a new Chinese solar term, which showed a massive hull in a dry dock in the background.

The photo prompted speculation among military observers that the hull was an auxiliary ship and triggered a debate about the future logistical capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

The ship’s upper deck and island superstructures appeared to be largely complete, suggesting it would soon be ready to leave the dock for its final fitting.

The speculation about whether it really is a “mega-replenisher” stems from the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s shift towards blue-water operations.

Because China has few overseas military bases, it will have to rely on auxiliary ships to provide vital supplies such as food and water or fuel and ammunition during these missions on the open seas.

Currently, the PLA Navy’s aircraft carrier groups are supported by two 45,000-tonne Type 901 Fuyu class fast combat support ships and the much smaller and slower Type 903 Fuchi class ships.