It’s Coming, China Reportedly Converted Civilian Ferries for Military Assault Operations
Makes sense given U.S. is at its weakest.
Amid growing tensions with Taiwan, China has reportedly converted civilian ferries for use in military amphibious assault operations.
According to a new report in the Jamestown Foundation’s China Brief, since 2019, the roll-on/roll-off ferry Bang Chui Dao has been fitted with a modified ramp capable of launching and recovering amphibious armored vehicles while offshore.
This means that the ship can launch and recover vehicles without port facilities. This is different from typical roll-on/roll-off vessels, which have straight hydraulic ramps for vehicles to drive on or off while ships are in port.
According to the Jamestown Foundation’s report – published by Conor Kennedy, an instructor at the U.S. Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute – the modified ramp is “driven directly by two large hydraulic cylinders and two support arms.”