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.

The ship has remained largely inactive while moored at the waterfront of a public park in Wonsan since Tokyo banned its regular trips to Japan in 2006, alleging it carried illegal goods. 

It last traveled abroad in 2018 to ferry and house North Korean athletes participating in the Winter Olympics on the South Korean east coast. 

The ship’s movement and maintenance in recent months amid blossoming relations with Russia led to speculation the ferry could service new tourist trips or cargo shipments between the DPRK and Vladivostok. 

The apparent lack of major changes and the ship’s return to Wonsan makes it less likely that it will participate in an alleged weapons trade scheme between Rason and Russian ports, but new international routes can’t be ruled out.

The Mangyongbong-92 traveled around 280 miles (450 km) from Wonsan to Rason in late September for the maintenance, according to Planet Labs imagery. It entered a drydock at the Rajin Shipyard by Oct. 11 and exited between Nov. 15 and 20.

It appeared moored at its old spot in Wonsan again by Nov. 23.

It’s unclear why it went all the way to Rason for the work when maintenance could ostensibly be carried out somewhere closer, though it’s possible the ship has some connection to the Rajin Shipyard.

South Korea’s Ministry of Unification says the ship was originally built at a shipyard in Chongjin.

The Mangyongbong-92 was built to replace one simply called the Mangyongbong, which remains moored and inactive at the Rason Shipyard’s northern pier.

Edited by Bryan Betts