China is now undertaking construction of new Type 071 LPD (landing platform dock) at a second location, in addition to existing production at Hudong in Shanghai. Detailed satellite imagery obtained by Naval News shows two additional hulls under construction at the COMEC shipyard (formally CSSC Offshore and Marine Engineering), also known as Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), on Longxue Island in Guangzhou.
The specific imagery in question, dating to 4 October 2026, is not cleared for release. However, from the details visible Naval News can verify it shows two hulls side by side at an advanced stage of construction. Both vessels, with an overall length of 210 metres, match dimensions and the distinct appearance of the Type 071 LPD, which US sources such as ONI designate as the Yuzhao-class. The Type 071 is an amphibious warfare ship displacing approximately 22,000 tons. The well deck-equipped design is similar in role and configuration to LPDs of Western navies like the American San Antonio-class or the British Albion-class.
The drydock this new construction takes place at is located around 2 km to the south from COMECs primary facilities on Longxue involved in construction of new ships for the Chinese Navy (PLAN). The facility appears to have undergone modernisation in recent years, including a new full gantry crane for assembly. One of the two hulls is near completion, including a fitted main sensor mast and most elements of the superstructure. Its appearance suggests a launch may occur by the end of the year or early in 2027. The second vessel would follow within a few months.
Second yard as new development for amphibious shipbuilding
The appearance at COMEC is notable because previously Hudong-Zhonghua has constructed all existing Type 071 LPD, including eight hulls for PLAN and one ship for the Royal Thai Navy. Hudong has recently resumed construction of additional Type 071 in Shanghai. The builder has launched one hull in late August, with two more under construction. Additional construction in Guangzhou now indicates at least five more Type 071 LPD will join the Chinese Navy, with further hulls being a distinct possibility.
Aside from renewed construction the Type 071 LPD has also in recent years gained attention over serving as the first major platform of PLAN to undergo integration and testing of a laser-based DEW.
The inclusion of the COMEC/GSI Longxue-shipyard in Type 071-assembly follows a similar trend for the construction of Type 903 fleet replenishment oilers. COMEC and Hudong have produced the initial batches of nine AORs between 2005 and 2019. However, for the latest batch of at least five additional oilers the Wuhu Shipyard in Anhui province has joined COMEC, launching three of the vessels over the last two years.
Expansion of shipbuilding in Guangzhou part of wider trend for PLAN
COMEC has displayed considerable productivity in recent years, producing a wide range of new auxiliaries for PLAN. Notable examples include two sets of three amphibious barges designed as mobile shore connectors for large scale landing operations, two types of submarine support ships, the aforementioned Type 903A AORs and two hulls of a new very large fleet replenishment vessel-design succeeding the Type 901 AOR. Most recently the yard launched the second variant of a suspected UUV-mothership, as reported by Naval News.
Meanwhile Hudong has focused on amphibious warfare ships including Type 071 LPD, Type 075 LHD and the new Type 076 catapult-equipped amphibious carrier. The yard is also one of two producers of frigates such as the Type 054A, the Type 054B and cutters for the Chinese Coast Guard, together with the Huangpu-yard on Changzhou in Guangzhou. The appearance of Type 071 LPD at COMEC may suggest the yard will continue to expand its portfolio building additional warships for PLAN, increasing the pace at which further vessels join service over the next few years.
The additional building activity at COMEC is also part of a wider trend in the expansion of Chinese naval construction extending beyond surface warships. Earlier this year Jiangnan in Shanghai has launched its first nuclear powered attack submarine for PLAN, utilising new facilities established over the last five years. Construction of new surface combatants like frigates and destroyers appears to have slowed down significantly for the time being. However, the surge in submarine, auxiliary and amphibious construction underscores that significant modernisation and expansion of the Chinese Navy will continue over the next few years.
