Fujian is powered by conventional steam turbines and diesel generators.[8] According to Chinese military commentator Song Zhongping, the ship has an integrated power system (IPS).[12]
Development
Fujian's class was originally designated by observers as Type 002. At the time, the class of the incomplete Shandong was thought to be Type 001A. Shandong was officially confirmed as a Type 002 during commissioning in December 2019. After that, observers began referring to the incomplete Fujian as Type 003.[13]
The ship was originally intended to use steam catapults.[13] In 2013, PLAN Rear AdmiralYin Zhuo reported it would use EM catapults;[14] EM catapults prototypes were observed in 2012.[15] The change to EM catapults likely explains the increase in size from previous Chinese carriers.[13]
Construction began in the mid-2010s. The National Interest reported it began March 2015.[16]The Diplomat reported that "initial work" began in February 2016, with Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard Group receiving a notice to proceed in March 2017.[17] Work was reportedly delayed in June 2017 by EM and steam catapult tests.[18] By November 2017, work had resumed after the PLAN reportedly developing an IEP system to power the EM catapults.[19][20][21] The first prefabricatedblock modules were placed into the dry dock in July 2020, and most of the keel and base hull blocks were in place by early September 2020.[13] The superstructure was installed by July 2021.[22][23]
Fujian was launched on 17 June 2022.[8] Like previous Chinese carriers, it was named for a province according to PLAN naming regulations.[24]Western media noted that Fujian province was opposite to Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait.[25][26][27] Power and mooring tests started in April 2023.[8] Catapult testing started in November 2023.[28] Aircraft mockups were also used.[29]
Fujian started sea trials in May 2024. The first occurred from 1 to 8 May.[30][6] From May 2024 a number of sea trials took place, with the fifth sea trial said to have occurred near the Yangtze River estuary in December 2024, according to PLA Navy spokesperson Wu Qian.[31] The Fujian’s trials in 2024 appeared to have had the aim of familiarizing the crew with the vessel’s capabilities and technologies; they did not yet involve aircraft taking off and landing.[32]
^Zhao, Suisheng (2024). "Is Beijing's Long Game on Taiwan about to End? Peaceful Unification, Brinksmanship, and Military Takeover". In Zhao, Suisheng (ed.). The Taiwan Question in Xi Jinping's Era: Beijing's Evolving Taiwan Policy and Taiwan's Internal and External Dynamics. London and New York: Routledge. p. 18. doi:10.4324/9781003521709. ISBN9781032861661.