Another possible way to see it - If that case is true, could it be that Dalian is laying down 1 or 2 new 052D hull(s) in the forward half of the drydock, and then launch the 1/2 new hull(s) alongside the 3 present hulls in the rear half of the drydock in one go, later on?Note a new line of blocks in drydock. May mean they lay down another hull. Though doing so behind the ship most advanced in construction is perhaps indicating that is not exactly the idea.
Perhaps this MIGHT explain the rather slow-ish construction speed of the 3 052D hulls in the rear half of the drydock.
Though, that's just my own speculation on the matter.
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In the meantime, I'm really hoping that the PLAN will terminate the 052D's production run as soon as the last of the 4th batch 052D left their slipway/drydock in Jiangnan/Dalian...
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