MV Tian Kun Hao explained

MV Tian Kun Hao (天鯤) is a Chinese dredger that has been described variously as “Asia’s most powerful island maker” ^[1] and "magic island maker" due to its capability to dig 6,000 cubic metres per hour of sand/silt.^[2] ^[3] The ship was launched at Qidong in Jiangsu province in November 2017.^[4] The ship is apparently named after "a legendary enormous fish which can turn into a mythical bird".

Design

Length = 140m
Beam width = 28m^[5]
Designer = Tianjin Dredging Co., a subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company
Dredging depth = 35m
Discharge distance = 15 km

Various sources have speculated that the ship will be used for island building in the area of the South China Sea claimed by China and for possible use in areas of territorial disputes with countries including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2118359/launch-beijings-new-dredger-may-spark-concerns-renewed Launch of Beijing’s new dredger may spark concerns of renewed island building in South China Sea: Testing of Tian Kun Hao could upset Beijing’s neighbours, but Chinese analyst says vessel will not be used to boost China’s claims in disputed waters
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_unveils_massive_island-building_vessel_999.html China unveils massive island-building vessel
News: What is China's 'magic island-making' ship?. 6 November 2017. BBC News. BBC News. 6 November 2017.
News: Asia's largest dredging vessel completes first sea trial . https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111953/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/12/c_137249426_2.htm . dead . June 13, 2018 . 13 June 2018 . Xinhua . 12 June 2018.
Web site: Ship TIAN KUN HAO (Cutter Suction Dredger) Registered in China - Vessel details, Current position and Voyage information - IMO 9781657, MMSI 413306090, Call sign BTXX . 2024-02-02 . MarineTraffic.com . en.