Guangzhou Shipyard’s New Jackup Bridging Barges: A Game-Changer in Over-the-Shore Logistics
Guangzhou Shipyard’s innovative new jackup bridging barges have made their debut in an impressive over-the-shore logistics exercise at Zhanjiang, China. The sight of three of these barges lined up perpendicular to the shoreline, jacked up, and connected using their bridging ramps to create an expeditionary “pier” extending far out into the water has captured the attention of maritime enthusiasts worldwide.
Recently, beachfront photos and videos showcasing these “invasion barges” have been circulating on Chinese social media platforms, sparking curiosity and speculation. Open-source analyst Damien Symon’s identification of the exercise location in Zhanjiang using background imagery and synthetic aperture radar has shed further light on this intriguing development.
Western analysts had previously noted the presence of these unique vessels at Guangzhou Shipyard. In January, experts identified them as amphibious logistics enablers specifically designed to bridge the surf zone and facilitate the transfer of military cargo to a secured beachhead. The hinged bridge section, spanning approximately 400 feet when lowered, allows for efficient offloading of high volumes of cargo onto the shore.
Similar to the historic “Mulberry Harbors” deployed in Normandy post-D-Day, these jackup bridging barges could play a crucial role in future amphibious operations. By providing a means to deliver heavy military equipment to a beachhead without the need to capture a major seaport first, these vessels offer strategic advantages in scenarios like a cross-strait assault to retake Taiwan.
Unlike the U.S. Army/Navy Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) system, which relies on floating piers tethered to the shore, the Chinese jackup barges are elevated on jackup legs, making them less vulnerable to wave action and more suitable for challenging sea conditions. This design feature enhances their operational resilience and effectiveness in adverse weather environments.
With their potential to revolutionize over-the-shore logistics capabilities, Guangzhou Shipyard’s new jackup bridging barges represent a significant advancement in maritime engineering and military strategy. As these vessels continue to generate interest and speculation, their role in future amphibious operations remains a topic of keen anticipation and strategic analysis.