Kuznetsov is the class member most clearly associated with mazut, while the Chinese ships are progressively improved descendants. Liaoning's reconstruction and Shandong's more efficient boilers suggest that they may burn a less viscous fuel even though they retain steam-turbine propulsion. This remains an inference from the refits and visible machinery improvements, since no public fuel specification confirms it. Kuznetsov may now carry little fuel because many of its crew have reportedly been diverted to ground operations. A fleet can lose carrier capability through the misuse of highly trained personnel before machinery even enters the calculation.
Notable Point · 7:07-10:03
Why the Chinese carriers are unlikely to share Kuznetsov's fuel problem
A comparison of Kuznetsov with Liaoning and Shandong argues that Chinese refits and newer machinery likely moved them away from the worst mazut burden.