A leaked photo of vessel 868. (Photo : Want China Times)
Guangzhou’s Wenchong shipyard has officially handed over China’s first mobile landing platform (MLP), known as Vessel 868, to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Sunday.
According to a report from the Sina Military Network, Vessel 868 has many similarities with its U.S. MLP counterpart. The platform, which was launched on Feb. 27 and completed its sea trial a month later, had a displacement of 3,200 tonnes and was developed specifically to carry the PLA Navy's Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC) in future amphibious operations.
When joined with other MLPs, Vessel 868 will greatly improve China's force projection capabilities, the report said, noting that in the event that military conflict arises over the disputed South China Sea, the PLA would be likely to launch amphibious landings using the MLPs against the islands and reefs currently under the administration of Vietnam and the Philippines.
The MLPs would also likely figure in a potential invasion of Taiwan, the report added.
A type of amphibious assault ship, the MLP is often described as a "half-submarine and half-boat" due to its semi-submersible deck that makes transferring cargo and equipment easier. The ship's main roles include transporting heavy weaponry and combat supplies as well as to serve as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft.
MLPs have received media attention recently after the U.S. Navy released footage of its Montford Point-class MLP--the first of three ships being built by General Dynamics--undergoing tests. Based on the hull of the Alaska-class commercial oil tanker, the Montford Point was delivered to the U.S. Navy in May 2013 and is expected to enter services this year.
