The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has confirmed the arrival of the Type 071E amphibious transport dock or landing platform dock, HTMS Chang, in Thailand on April 27. The ship, constructed and tested in China, is scheduled to depart Shanghai on April 17 and arrive at Sattahip Naval Base ten days later.
Capt Chukiat Thepalai, Chairman of Equipment Inspection for the Navy’s Submarine Tenders Procurement committee, signed a delivery certificate for the HTMS Chang with Shanghai-based shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua.
The ship was purchased as part of the Navy’s 20-year plan to commission four large amphibious vessels for various operations by 2036. With a displacement of over 20,000 tonnes, the HTMS Chang is 213 meters long and 28 meters wide and can reach a top speed of 25 knots.
Royal Thai Navy Chief Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet stated that the HTMS Chang will initially assist the HTMS Ang Thong until construction of a S26T submarine is completed, after which it will be used to support the submarine mission.
