In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities, China has transformed a civilian cargo vessel into a formidable floating arsenal. The ship, named Zhongda 79, has been outfitted with containerised launchers capable of firing a wide array of missiles, signaling a new phase in the nation's maritime military strategy.
From Freighter to Floating Firepower
The 97-meter-long cargo ship, Zhongda 79, underwent a major conversion at the state-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding shipyard in Shanghai. According to images shared online and cited by Militarnyi, the vessel is now equipped with launchers holding up to 60 missiles. These installations are versatile, designed to deploy anti-ship, cruise, hypersonic, and anti-aircraft missiles, effectively turning the merchant ship into a multi-role weapons platform.
The refitting process took place in stages. The vessel was not engaged in regular shipping for some time before undergoing work at a shipyard in Longhai between April and August. Since August 2025, it has been docked at the Shanghai shipyard, where the final transformation is believed to have been completed. Notably, the Zhongda 79 currently retains its civilian status, as it has not yet been officially listed as part of the PLA Navy's auxiliary fleet.
Satellite Images and Strategic Location
Satellite imagery, though undated, has confirmed the ship's location at the Hudong-Zhonghua yard. This shipyard is a hub of advanced naval projects, including the construction of the Sichuan Type 076 amphibious assault ship. One image shows the Zhongda 79 berthed close to this new assault ship, which reportedly completed its second sea trials earlier this month.
Photographs also reveal containers on the freighter's deck marked with phrases promoting "the maritime revival of the Chinese nation" and "a community of shared future for mankind in the ocean." This language extends President Xi Jinping's political vision into the maritime domain, linking the military project with broader national and ideological goals.
Closing the Gap in Naval Firepower
This conversion is part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) focused effort to rapidly expand its vertical launch system (VLS) capacity. The goal is to match and eventually surpass the VLS capabilities of the United States Navy. A report from the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies indicates that the PLAN has already made substantial progress.
As of December 20, the think tank assessed that the Chinese navy's total firepower, measured by VLS cells, has surpassed 50% of the US Navy's capacity. The creation of arsenal ships like the Zhongda 79 provides a flexible and potentially cost-effective method to further accelerate this buildup. Such vessels can be deployed quickly, supplementing traditional warships and adding a significant layer of complexity for any potential adversary in regional waters.
The development underscores China's commitment to becoming a dominant maritime power, utilizing innovative methods to enhance its strategic deterrence and force projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
