A large North Korean ferry accused of sanctions-busting activities during past trips to Japan has returned to the DPRK east coast port city of Wonsan after undergoing maintenance or upgrades for a month.

NK News analysis of satellite imagery shows the appearance of the Mangyongbong-92 cargo-passenger ferry did not significantly change following the work in Rason near Russia, suggesting it could have undergone technical maintenance, interior remodeling or cargo hold modifications ahead of a new domestic or international operation.