The China State Shipbuilding Corporation released a photo on Thursday showing a massive hull in a dry dock in Guangzhou. Military observers speculate the vessel is a large auxiliary ship for the People's Liberation Army Navy.
The image appeared in a social media post marking a Chinese solar term. The hull's upper deck and island superstructures looked largely complete, indicating it may soon exit the dock for final work.
The speculation centers on the ship's potential role supplying carrier groups at sea. The People's Liberation Army Navy is expanding blue-water operations and has limited overseas bases, so auxiliary vessels would deliver food, water, fuel and ammunition.
The navy currently relies on two 45,000-tonne Type 901 Fuyu class ships and smaller Type 903 Fuchi class vessels for carrier support.
