China commissions largest logistics supply ship in history

China commissioned the Type-901, which is twice as large as its predecessors, and is on par with the US Navy's largest supply ship.

Type-901 (large ship) and an old Chinese supply ship. Photo: SCMP.

China's first Type-901 combat supply ship has been painted with the number 965, indicating that it has been commissioned. This is the largest logistics ship in the history of the Chinese navy, with a displacement of up to 45,000 tons, Sputnik reported on August 2.

Heavy supply ships like the Type-901 play a core role in China's aircraft carrier strike group. They are capable of carrying fuel, weapons and supplies to supply multiple warships in the aircraft carrier formation. The pipeline system on both sides of the ship can refuel conventional aircraft carriers like the Liaoning and Type-001A.

Military expert Ni Lexiong said the appearance of the Type-901 shows that Beijing is applying the same aircraft carrier battle group model as Washington. The US Navy currently owns three Supply-class heavy supply ships. Each has a displacement of 48,800 tons, enough to supply fuel and supplies to an aircraft carrier squadron.

However, analysts say the Type-901 ships are not yet capable of serving the Chinese navy's global operational needs. "No matter how large the supply ships are, they cannot compete with port cities, and their logistics capabilities are limited," said Ni Lexiong./.

According to VNE