- Satellite imagery reveals North Korea has successfully righted its capsized Choe Hyun-class warship at Chongjin Shipyard, following a failed launch on May 21 witnessed by Kim Jong Un.
- While the vessel is now upright, significant damage, particularly to the bow and sonar section, raises doubts about the feasibility of repairs being completed before the upcoming Workers’ Party Central Committee meeting.
- The lack of proper shipyard infrastructure and potential need for foreign assistance underscore the technical challenges North Korea faces in salvaging and restoring the 5,000-tonne destroyer.
North Korea appears to have made significant progress in recovering its Choe Hyun-class destroyer, which capsized during a botched launch ceremony in May. Recent satellite images, analyzed by 38 North and dated June 2, show that the 5,000-tonne vessel has been returned to an upright position at the Chongjin Shipyard for the first time since the incident. Though parts of the vessel, including the flight deck and helipad, are visible, damage to the ship’s bow remains a serious concern.
Launch Failure and Initial Incident
The accident occurred on May 21 during a public side-launch of North Korea’s second Choe Hyun-class frigate. The vessel partially overturned—its stern slipping into the water while the bow remained grounded. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present during the event, which experts attribute to a likely malfunction of the launch mechanism.
Manual Recovery Efforts Revealed by Satellite Images
Satellite imagery from May 29 showed workers manually attempting to stabilize the ship using tethers and at least 30 visible buoys or airbags. While some observers initially mistook these objects for barrage balloons, 38 North clarified their probable use as flotation devices aiding the recovery. The righting process, completed by early June, seems to align with timelines previously issued by North Korean state media.
Structural Damage and Repair Challenges
Despite the progress, serious structural issues remain. The ship’s bow is still positioned on the slipway, and visible signs of damage—especially in the sonar section—suggest the need for extensive repairs. Experts believe the ship may have to be transferred to a dry dock for full restoration. However, Chongjin Shipyard lacks dry docking facilities and has limited experience in handling large military vessels, historically focusing on cargo and fishing ships.
Logistical and Political Obstacles
Relocating the ship to a more capable facility could prove difficult, particularly if the hull integrity has been compromised. Military analysts suggest that North Korea may be compelled to seek technical assistance from allies such as China or Russia if its domestic capabilities prove insufficient.
Official Statements and Leadership Reaction
North Korea’s state-run KCNA downplayed the incident in a May 23 report, claiming that the damage was minimal, limited to scratches on the starboard side and minor water intrusion. Officials estimated a two- to three-day timeline for pumping out water and an additional ten days to restore the vessel’s side. While the ship’s reorientation fits within this schedule, experts remain skeptical about the practicality of full repairs in the near term.
Kim Jong Un condemned the accident as a “criminal act” and reportedly ordered severe disciplinary actions against those responsible. At least four Chongjin Shipyard officials have been detained. The North Korean leader has demanded the vessel be fully restored ahead of the upcoming meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party Central Committee—a deadline that analysts widely regard as unrealistic.
A Risky Race Against Time
While North Korea has achieved a major step by righting the warship, the vessel’s precarious position—half on land, half in water—illustrates the technical and operational challenges still ahead. With infrastructure limitations, visible damage, and mounting political pressure, completing the restoration on schedule remains a daunting task.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Marine Insight
