Thanks to a series of new images that have circulated through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources, the Fujian aircraft carrier has been seen in port alongside a Type 901 logistic support ship of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China, in what appears to be refueling trials in port, with both ships moored.
The Fujian, China’s third and most modern aircraft carrier, has returned to its home port after completing its second sea trial as it progresses towards joining the ranks of the Asian giant’s naval force as one of its primary means of projection. In a similar vein, the circulated images show the Fujian (CV-18) docked in port, with a Fuyu-class replenishment ship alongside, reminiscent of previous instances with the Shandong (CV-17) and Liaoning (CV-16) aircraft carriers in the past.
Previously, the Shandong aircraft carrier, officially unveiled in 2017 and subsequently undergoing navigation trials, among others, to achieve operational status, was observed in 2019 alongside the Hulunhu Type 901 replenishment ship moored in port. At that time, various media reported that practices were conducted to preliminarily verify the aircraft carrier’s readiness for underway replenishment trials at sea.
The Type 901 is equipped with five wet cargo transfer stations (3 on the port side) for fuel and water, as well as two dry cargo stations, which is comparable to the future U.S. Navy supply ship class, named as T-AO(X) John Lewis class, with a displacement of 50,406 metric tons and a length of 227 meters. So far China owns two ships of this type, the Hulunhu (965) and the Chaganhu (967).
Additionally, some online commentators suggest that the images indicate the Fujian is nearing its third sea trial, expected to include evaluations of radar and armament systems, propulsion, and power generation systems. It is worth noting that during the recent second trial, which lasted 15 days, the aircraft carrier sailed in the Yellow Sea, where propulsion systems were tested with sharp turns and reverse navigation.
You may also like: In the midst of tensions with Taiwan, the Chinese Navy is preparing the Fujian aircraft carrier for a new trial navigation
