Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua today, December 27, conducted a launch ceremony for the innovative new Type 076 amphibious carrier, at its facilities on Changxing Island in Shanghai. The event marks a major milestone in a project drawing significant international attention. According to officials statements the new ship will receive the hull number 51 and the name “Sichuan”, after the eponymous province in southwestern China.

Official media announced a displacement of over 40,000 tons for the new amphibious carrier. “Sichuan” is notably larger in all dimensions than the preceding Type 075-class LHD. The hull is approximately 260 metres long, with a beam across the flight deck of circa 50 meters. In overall size Type 076 is therefore comparable to current American amphibious assault carriers such as the Wasp- and America-class.

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