Shanghai: Satellite imagery indicates China is building a specialised vessel that analysts believe could transport, launch and recover large uncrewed submarines, potentially expanding the range of Beijing’s undersea drone programme.

The vessel is under construction at the Hudong Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, according to satellite imagery reviewed by Naval News. Its design includes a stern well deck, a large internal hangar and a cradle that appears capable of being lowered into the water using vertical lifting mechanisms.

Naval analyst H I Sutton assessed that the configuration is consistent with a mothership for China’s extra extra large uncrewed underwater vehicles, or XXLUUVs. Based on the dimensions of the vessel and the submarines already observed in Chinese testing areas, he estimated that the hangar could accommodate around four of the largest vehicles.

Neither the Chinese government nor the shipyard has publicly confirmed the vessel’s purpose, designation or intended operator. The claim that it is the world’s first purpose built mothership of this type is therefore an assessment based on available imagery rather than an officially confirmed fact.

China has previously been observed testing at least two very large uncrewed underwater vehicles in waters around Hainan.

The platforms are estimated to measure about 35 metres and 45 metres in length, making them substantially larger than conventional unmanned underwater vehicles. Their exact specifications, payloads and operational status have not been publicly disclosed.

The possible mothership would add an important element to that programme: mobility and support. Large autonomous submarines need more than launch capability.

They require maintenance, recovery, transport, energy support and mission preparation. A dedicated surface vessel could provide those functions closer to an area of operation instead of relying entirely on fixed coastal facilities.