Exclusive: New China Amphibious Ships Designed for Strategic Maritime Operations in Taiwan.

According to information published by All Source Analysis on January 10, 2025, recent analysis of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) imagery has revealed the presence of possible new amphibious operations support vessels under construction at the Guangzhou shipyard. These vessels, measuring approximately 133 meters in length, exhibit innovative features tailored for advanced amphibious and logistical operations.
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At Laem Chabang, Thailand, an amphibious assault vehicle emerges from the ramp of the USNS Pililaau, a large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off vessel under the command of Military Sealift Command. (Picture source: US DoD)

The standout feature of these vessels is an extendable ramp emerging from the superstructure, which functions as a mobile pier. This ramp can establish a direct link between the vessel and the shoreline or connect to other logistical networks, enabling efficient offloading of personnel, vehicles, and cargo in various operational scenarios.

Another notable aspect is the vessel’s rear design, optimized for transferring vehicles directly from other vessels. This capability enhances its logistical flexibility, allowing it to serve as a pivotal node for amphibious operations by facilitating vehicle deployment onto shorelines or onward transportation networks.

To enhance operational adaptability, the vessels are equipped with jack-up legs, which allow for precise hull elevation adjustments. This feature provides increased stability and ensures seamless integration with diverse offloading configurations, regardless of environmental or operational challenges.

These vessels appear to be designed as "landing piers," a concept that extends the operational reach of traditional amphibious forces. Their ability to serve as mobile logistical hubs suggests a potential role in expanding China’s power projection capabilities, particularly in contested maritime zones or island chains. By enabling rapid deployment and resupply operations, these ships could serve as critical assets in both military and humanitarian missions.

Moreover, their unique features align with the evolving demands of modern amphibious warfare, where flexibility, speed, and efficiency are paramount. The integration of jack-up legs and a modular offloading system indicates a focus on optimizing performance in littoral environments, where traditional amphibious ships face operational constraints.

Chinese Amphibious Ships

The latest addition to the PLAN's amphibious fleet is the Type 076 amphibious assault ship. The lead ship, named Sichuan, was launched on December 27, 2024, at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. This vessel represents a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities, integrating drone operations with traditional amphibious assault functions. The Type 076 is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, enabling the launch and recovery of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and potentially light fixed-wing aircraft.

Preceding the Type 076, the PLAN introduced the Type 075 landing helicopter dock, also known as the Yushen-class. These vessels serve as large amphibious assault ships capable of carrying multiple helicopters, troops, and equipment for amphibious operations. The lead ship, Hainan (hull number 31), was commissioned on April 23, 2021. The Type 075 enhances the PLAN's ability to conduct vertical envelopment operations, deploying forces via helicopters and landing craft.

The Type 071, or Yuzhao-class, is a class of amphibious transport dock ships that have been in service with the PLAN since 2007. These vessels provide the capability to transport and deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment during amphibious assaults. Each Type 071 ship can carry up to four Type 726 Yuyi-class air-cushioned landing craft (LCACs), armored vehicles, and approximately 800 troops. The ships are also equipped with a flight deck capable of operating helicopters.

The Type 072A is a class of landing ship tank (LST) designed for amphibious operations, capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto shore without the need for port facilities. These ships feature a well deck and bow doors, allowing for the rapid deployment of amphibious vehicles and personnel.