October marked the first sighting of a mysterious flat-top vessel at a Chinese shipyard, and now, new photos and videos suggest the ship has embarked on its maiden voyage. In late November, social media posts revealed the enigmatic vessel sailing under its own power, displaying no hull number or insignia of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Instead, it bore the logo of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), fueling speculation about its purpose. This discovery, alongside the vessel’s peculiar design, has intrigued naval analysts and defense observers worldwide.
Reports based on photos and video footage show the ship’s distinctive layout.
- Forward island: A small structure near the bow with a bridge and a conventional mast.
- Central island: A multi-story superstructure crowned by a ball radome atop an enclosed mast.
- Aft island: Located toward the stern and believed to house exhaust stacks.
The vessel’s port-side profile includes two notable cutouts, likely designed for launching and recovering boats. Despite its impressive size—roughly 200 meters long and 40 meters wide—it lacks a well-dock access at the stern, often present in amphibious assault ships. Openings along the hull hint at a possible hangar, though confirmation of its purpose remains elusive.
Naval analyst Alex Luck remarked on social media: “The arrangement for a hangar remains to be confirmed, though there are some obvious openings suggesting some sort of space.”
The flat-top was first misidentified as a Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship due to its dimensions. However, experts soon realized it matched the vessel previously spotted at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) on Longxue Island, southeast of Guangzhou.
Defense analyst Tom Shugart, a former submariner and adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), brought attention to the ship in satellite imagery from September 2024. Describing the vessel on social media, Shugart speculated it could be a new type of aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship, drawing comparisons to other cutting-edge designs.
The Guangzhou shipyard, well-known for constructing Ro-Ro ships, gas carriers, and other civilian vessels, had already been the site of another groundbreaking project: a 60-meter-long uncrewed surface vessel (USV), first observed in 2022. Shugart noted that this fast-trimaran USV and the flat-top appeared side by side in the yard, further enhancing the shipyard’s reputation as a hub for innovative naval designs.
- Amphibious landing dock: Given its size and design, it could be a next-generation platform for amphibious operations.
- Civilian research vessel: The CSSC logo and lack of military insignia suggest it might be a scientific or experimental ship.
- Drone carrier: Some speculate it could be a large, cutting-edge unmanned vessel, a capability China has been developing since 2022.
However, the most compelling theory is that the flat-top represents an experimental platform to support China’s rapid naval modernization.
The emergence of this new vessel highlights China’s remarkable shipbuilding capabilities. Over the past decade, the PLAN has grown exponentially, with new aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and specialized vessels augmenting its fleet.
China currently operates two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, while its third, the Type-003 Fujian, is undergoing sea trials and expected to be operational by 2025. The Fujian is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, a cutting-edge feature rivaling the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.
Reports also suggest construction has begun on a fourth carrier, the Type-004, which could displace 110,000 tons and feature nuclear propulsion, rail guns, and laser weaponry. If completed as planned, this supercarrier will mark a significant leap in China’s naval capabilities.
China has introduced the Type-075 Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), capable of supporting amphibious landings and helicopter operations. Analysts believe these ships are integral to any potential military action against Taiwan.
The next iteration, the Type-076, is reportedly under development. This vessel, which features a catamaran hull for increased deck space, is designed to carry drones, making it a unique addition to the PLAN’s arsenal.
China has also been at the forefront of unmanned naval systems, exemplified by the 60-meter USV seen alongside the flat-top at Guangzhou. With an emphasis on drone technology, these developments underscore China’s ambition to modernize its navy through automation and advanced platforms.
China’s latest flat-top vessel adds to the growing evidence of its accelerated shipbuilding program. The country’s ability to produce advanced vessels at record speed stands in stark contrast to the United States, whose shipbuilding capability has stagnated.
According to a 2020 Pentagon report, the PLAN had 350 warships compared to 293 in the US Navy. By 2035, China is projected to operate 475 warships, while the US Navy is expected to maintain a fleet of 305-317 ships.
This disparity reflects China’s strategic focus on creating a blue-water navy, capable of projecting power across distant seas and challenging US dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
As China’s shipbuilding prowess continues to evolve, the mysterious flat-top could be a glimpse into the future of naval warfare. Whether it serves as a research platform, an amphibious assault vessel, or something entirely new, its rapid construction and launch highlight China’s commitment to innovation.
The appearance of this vessel also serves as a wake-up call for nations seeking to maintain a competitive edge in naval technology. For the United States, in particular, it underscores the urgency of addressing its shipbuilding shortfalls to counter China’s expanding maritime influence.
