Type 903 replenishment ship

The Type 903 combined replenishment ship is a class of replenishment oiler built for the People's Liberation Army Navy, serving as a principal fleet auxiliary ship for blue-water expeditionary missions by the People's Republic of China. They resemble, an AOR built by China for Thailand delivered in 1996.
Two original-design Type 903s entered service in 2003. Construction of the Type 903A, a slightly modified design, began in 2010; the first Type 903As entered service in 2013, and a total of eight ships are currently in service.

Development

According to Zhang Gang, chief designer of Similan, China started development of a new AOR in 1988. Development was delayed due to cost, leading China to buy a, renamed, from Ukraine in 1992. The new design was completed for Similan, which became the basis for the Type 903.

Design

The Type 903 is a flush-decked development of the Type 905 AOR resembling the French.
There are two liquid and one sliding-stay solid transfer stations per side. Refuelling may also be conducted from the stern.