New satellite images show three additional barges linked to a massive floating dock. They have arrived at the Chinese island of Nanshan for testing and crew training.
Each barge set includes three vessels with different numbers of supports: four measuring 108 meters, six measuring 128 meters, and eight measuring 185 meters. These figures probably don't include the extendable bridge, which adds over 100 meters to each vessel. They are to be assembled one after another to form a giant pier in an area that is not prepared for it.
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The first set was built around the end of 2024, and the first footage emerged in 2025. The question arises: why are these barges so important that they could become a key element in a Chinese landing on Taiwan?
The fact is that China possesses a huge fleet of commercial ro-ro ships, which, if necessary, can be quickly converted into large landing ships. However, not all equipment can be deployed directly into the water, and the barges cannot get close enough to the shore.
As a result, these vessels require docking points, yet such docks are scarce and may be destroyed or subjected to enemy fire. That is why mobile floating docks are required, as they can be deployed in any location and constantly service ships carrying equipment and supplies.
These barges may prove to be a critical component of any attack on Taiwan, reflecting China's heavy reliance on its commercial fleet. Recently, container ships equipped with air defense systems carrying 60 missiles were spotted. Later, an electromagnetic catapult for launching fighter drones was installed on the same ship, echoing British tactics from World War II.
China currently has two sets of these barges, and it is unclear how many more are under construction. This number will not be enough for a landing in Taiwan. However, it is worth delving into history and recalling the Mulberry Harbors during World War II.
Only two were built, but that did not stop the offensive. Within nine months, 2.5 million troops, 500,000 pieces of equipment and weapons, and four million tons of supplies were landed on the Normandy coast to defeat the Nazis.
These vessels are now far easier to target when approaching the shore, not to mention after they are fully deployed. Therefore, a much larger number of such barges would be required, along with multilayered protection.
China is not yet ready to launch an attack, but it is rapidly moving toward that capability. These barges have likely entered production, and more sets may appear later this year.
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