The Type 903 combined replenishment ship (, NATO reporting name: Fuchi) is a class of replenishment oiler (AOR) 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 (NATO reporting name: Fuchi II), a slightly modified design, began in 2010; the first Type 903As entered service in 2013. As of April 2026, a total of eleven 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.
Ships of the class
Name Hull No. Builder Launched Commissioned Fleet Status Type 903 千岛湖 / Qiandaohu (ex-Fuchi) 886 Hudong Shipyard 29 March 2003 30 April 2004 East Sea Fleet Active 微山湖 / Weishanhu 887 Guangzhou Shipyard International June 2003 2004 South Sea Fleet Active Type 903A 太湖 / Taihu 889 Guangzhou Shipyard International 22 March 2012 18 June 2013 North Sea Fleet Active 巢湖 / Chaohu 890 Hudong Shipyard 6 May 2012 11 September 2013 East Sea Fleet Active 东平湖 / Dongpinghu 902(Ex-960) Active 洪湖 / Honghu 906(Ex-963) Active 骆马湖 / Luomahu 907(Ex-964) Active 高邮湖 / Gaoyouhu 904(Ex-966) Active可可西里湖 / Kekexilihu 903(Ex-968) Active 892 Active 893 Active
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