Naval Expansion Continues

Prasun K. Sengupta

The first of three Type 075 helicopter-carriers (LHD) of the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy (PLAN) built by the Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co commenced her sea trial on August 4. This was four months after a serious fire broke out within its bilge-bay while the vessel was being fitted-out at the wet basin. The Type 075 LHD’s maiden voyage will likely test its principal on-board systems, including propulsion, navigation and communications suites. Sea-trials of this lead vessel will last for almost 18 months.

PLAN’s First Type-075 LHD in Sea-Trials

The 35,000-tonne Type 075 LHD’s design work began in 2011 under the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC), and hull construction began in late 2018. It was launched on September 25 last year, following which