Images of a mysterious, black-painted vessel, featuring a rounded bow and a conning tower resembling a submarine's, surfaced on social media on 3/12. The photographs appear to have been taken at the Huangpu Shipyard in China's Guangzhou province, sparking immediate speculation about its purpose.

Early assessments by expert H. I. Sutton of the US Naval Institute suggested the vessel's design integrates characteristics of both surface ships and submarines. Sutton noted its slender profile could indicate a high-speed craft.

However, Thomas Newdick, editor of US military specialist publication War Zone, offered a different perspective based on the newly released images, emphasizing the vessel's more submarine-like characteristics. "It may not be designed for high speed, or this feature may not be a top priority", Newdick stated, adding, "The vessel appears to be equipped with a pump-jet propulsion system".

China's trimaran-like vessel in an image released on 3/12. *Photo: War Zone*

Pump-jets offer greater efficiency than traditional propellers across all speed ranges and provide significant advantages for operations in shallow waters. This technology, however, is typically heavier, more complex, and considerably more expensive than conventional propeller systems.

Newdick further highlighted indicators suggesting the vessel's potential for full or near-full submersion. "Its overall design and certain features, such as depth indicators on the conning tower and other locations, suggest the vessel has diving capabilities, offering stealth advantages when submerged and relatively fast movement when surfaced", he explained.

Western experts have yet to determine if the craft is crewed or its precise role in naval operations. Some speculate it could serve as a sea-based weapon launch platform, capable of traveling submerged, surfacing to fire missiles, and then diving again.

Simulation of a missile-carrying, submersible trimaran-like vessel. *Graphic: X/Zhao Dashuai*

"Vessels of this type can carry more weapons than surface ships", Newdick noted. He added that the concept of missile-heavy vessels, either uncrewed or requiring minimal crew, is gaining interest among many nations. "However, there is currently no evidence the vessel is fitted with vertical launch tubes", he clarified.

Expert Sutton also hypothesized the vessel could function as a mothership for unmanned devices (drones) or be used to transport special forces in coastal environments.

"The vessel could also be a future technology testbed, perhaps to assess the potential of semi-submersible ships in the Chinese navy", Newdick concluded. He pointed out that the Chinese military has a history of building various experimental ships for research, development, testing, evaluation, and troop training.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, War Zone)