The Chongjin Shipyard, where a 5,000-ton destroyer ran aground in late May under the watchful eye of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is expected to resume operations shortly after repairs are completed.
On July 11, SIA, a South Korean satellite imagery analysis firm, reported significant changes at the Chongjin Shipyard approximately two months after the incident. The company noted that since early this month, at least several thousand workers have been mobilized to construct 19 temporary buildings south of the shipyard.
Despite Kim’s severe punishment of shipyard officials following the accident, SIA believes it is highly unlikely that North Korea would abandon the Chongjin Shipyard, given its status as the largest facility on the East Coast with a skilled workforce.
SIA analysts suggest that future launches at Chongjin may shift from the problematic side-launch method to a bow-first approach using barges. This transition would require the installation of additional equipment, such as gantry cranes.
The firm also highlighted Kim’s recent announcement of plans to build another 5,000-ton destroyer by October next year. SIA predicts that the Chongjin Shipyard will play a crucial role in this initiative by implementing measures to enhance worker training, improve technical capabilities, upgrade launch facilities, and strengthen safety protocols before operations resume.
Sources indicate that the State Security Department and the Workers’ Party’s Military Industry Department have dispatched personnel to monitor worker activities at the shipyard, while security in the surrounding area has been significantly increased to prevent any information leaks related to the incident.
On April 26, North Korea unveiled its first 5,000-ton-class destroyer, the Choe Hyon-class. The launching ceremony for a second vessel in the same class on May 21 ended in disaster when the ship capsized in front of Kim. The enraged North Korean leader ordered swift punishment for those responsible and demanded the ship be repaired. On June 12, the restored vessel was renamed Kang Geon and relaunched in a ceremony.
During Kang Geon’s launch, Kim reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering naval power, declaring plans to deploy two destroyers of the Choe Hyon class—or larger—annually into operational waters starting next year.