Hull 2 .E2.80.93 Liaoning Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier

the second hull of kuznetsov class took more roundabout route active service. known first riga , varyag, laid down nikolayev south shipyard in 1985 , launched in 1988. varyag had not yet been commissioned when soviet union dissolved in 1991, , ship left deteriorate in elements. in 1998, hull sold ukraine apparently chinese travel agency ostensible use floating hotel , casino. after eventful journey under tow, arrived in china in february 2002 , berthed @ dalian naval shipyard, overhauled , completed china s first aircraft carrier.

in september 2012, ship commissioned in chinese navy liaoning. 27-year period between laying down , commissioning protracted construction period aircraft carrier, longer 18-year period ins vikrant. liaoning named after province shipyard located, , chinese ship class type 001. today, serves training carrier , home port qingdao.