China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the CNS Sichuan, embarked on its inaugural sea trial on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s naval capabilities. The vessel departed from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai at approximately 9 a.m., as announced by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This trial aims to evaluate the ship’s electric and propulsion systems, following the completion of mooring tests and hardware installations. The CNS Sichuan, with a hull code of 51, is the lead ship in the Type 076 class, boasting a displacement of over 40,000 metric tons. It features a dual-island superstructure, a first for Chinese naval vessels, designed to enhance aviation operations. The ship is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, enabling it to launch fixed-wing aircraft and drones, a capability previously seen only on the CNS Fujian aircraft carrier. Upon commissioning, the CNS Sichuan will support a range of missions, including amphibious landings, airstrikes, and airborne operations. A senior shipbuilding industry researcher noted that the maiden voyage is primarily to test the ship’s self-propulsion and system reliability, with future trials planned to assess the electromagnetic catapult’s performance. The PLAN currently operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, each capable of carrying helicopters, landing craft, and armored vehicles.