Type 903-class (Fuchi)

Development of a new replenishment oiler for the People's Liberation Army Navy began in 1988. Due to cost-related delays, the program was temporarily bypassed to acquire a Ukrainian Komandarm Fedko-class oiler in 1992, which was renamed Qinghaihu. The design was subsequently completed for Similan, a vessel built by China for Thailand and delivered in 1996, which served as the basis for the Type 903.

The Type 903 is a flush-decked development of the Type 905 replenishment ship and resembles the French Durance-class tanker. For replenishment at sea, the vessel is configured with two liquid and one sliding-stay solid transfer stations on each side. It is also capable of conducting refueling from the stern. The ship features an aft flight deck and hangar to support helicopter operations.

The People's Liberation Army Navy operates the class as fleet auxiliaries for blue-water expeditionary missions. The two initial vessels of the base Type 903 design entered service in 2003 and 2004, constructed by Hudong Shipyard and Guangzhou Shipyard International. Construction of a modified variant, designated Type 903A (NATO reporting name: Fuchi II), began in 2010, with the first vessels of this variant entering service in 2013. Active ships are assigned across the East Sea Fleet, South Sea Fleet, and North Sea Fleet. Eleven ships of the class are in active service.