Up to 17 are in service. Some sources list four units in service, but others list up to 19 units. Probably some units are in civilian service, leading to confusion. Variant of the 'Qiongsha' class troop transports. One of 20 built for civilian service, 1959-1965.
Some sources indicate they are fleet supply ships.
Small utility cargo ships, built 1960-62. There are nearly 100 small coastal tankers known to be in existence. The general specifications of these craft are listed in the following table. Few are outfitted for underway replenishement. In general these craft carry a few 14.5 mm or 25 mm guns for self-defense.