Shipping
Information related to shipping in and around the DPRK
Iran oil shock threatens North Korea from its fuel pumps to black markets
For North Korea, the pain from oil price hikes is compounded by the source of much of its fuel: black markets
March 12, 2026
North Korean ships appear to conduct ‘odd’ fuel transfer in waters off Japan
Tokyo didn’t take action against vessels that entered its EEZ, despite recently seizing Chinese fishing boat
February 20, 2026
Cargo ship appears at North Korean nuclear submarine site for first time
Satellite imagery showing visit to factory on east coast may indicate project entering new stage
February 18, 2026
North Korean arms trade with Russia appears to chill down in January
Only one suspected Russian ship visited DPRK’s Rason to pick up cargo, possibly due to ice at a Far East port
January 30, 2026
What to make of reports that Russia tried to ship a nuke reactor to North Korea
Spanish daily says Ursa Major was transporting illicit cargo when it sank in Dec. 2024, but the evidence doesn’t add up
January 16, 2026
US says seizure of tankers linked to Venezuela sends a warning to North Korea
Energy secretary cites actions this week as evidence that Washington will take steps to enforce sanctions
January 9, 2026
YouTubers, K-pop defectors and Trump: The top North Korea stories of 2025
From a radioactive Russian delivery to influencers in Pyongyang, NK News revisits our best reporting from this year
December 26, 2025
Lee orders crackdown on Chinese fishing boats in ROK waters, including near NLL
South Korean president’s directive follows reports that Chinese ships fled to North Korean waters to evade patrols
December 24, 2025
UN maritime agency makes rare visit to North Korea for shipping operations audit
IMO trip shows DPRK is willing to selectively engage global organizations that provide practical benefits, expert says
December 17, 2025
7 Chinese ships ‘shadowed’ New Zealand vessel tracking North Korean smuggling
Trailing of HMNZS Aotearoa comes shortly after Chinese warship allegedly followed French frigate watching DPRK transfers
December 9, 2025
