Rajin, North Korea – A North Korean destroyer, which sustained damage during its launch last month, has been moved to the Rajin Shipyard for extensive repairs, according to recent satellite imagery. The incident, which occurred on May 21st at the Chongjin Shipyard, involved the newly built 5,000-ton Choe Hyon class destroyer, the second of its class.
According to MAXAR satellite images taken on June 8th, the vessel has been transferred to a dry dock at the Rajin Shipyard, located on North Korea’s east coast, northeast of Chongjin. This move comes after initial efforts to stabilize and refloat the ship at the Chongjin facility.
The incident occurred during the launch ceremony, which was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Reports suggest that errors in command and operational missteps led to the ship’s hull becoming breached and the vessel listing severely.
Initial Recovery Efforts and Damage Assessment
Following the mishap, a dedicated repair team was established, reporting directly to the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea. State media, KCNA, reported on June 6th that the ship’s balance had been fully restored by June 5th, and it was safely moored at the pier.
An expert team conducted a thorough inspection of the hull before the decision was made to move the destroyer to Rajin for the next phase of repairs. The projected timeframe for this phase is estimated to be between 7 and 10 days.
Jo Chun-ryong, a secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, who is overseeing the repair efforts, stated that the work is expected to be completed before the upcoming 12th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party.
Satellite Imagery Reveals Extent of Damage
Earlier satellite images from Planet Labs indicated that the bow of the ship remained largely intact, dispelling rumors that it would need to be cut off for repairs. However, the latest MAXAR imagery reveals significant damage to the ship’s bridge, necessitating immediate attention.
Rajin Shipyard: A History of Naval Construction
The Rajin Shipyard has a history of naval construction, having previously produced small missile corvettes known in the West as the Rajin class, as well as bulk carriers. The shipyard’s facilities and expertise are now being utilized to restore the damaged destroyer to operational status.
The incident and subsequent repair efforts highlight the challenges North Korea faces in modernizing its naval capabilities. The successful restoration of the destroyer will be a key test for the country’s shipbuilding industry and its ability to overcome technical setbacks.
Conclusion
The transfer of the damaged destroyer to the Rajin Shipyard marks a crucial step in North Korea’s efforts to salvage the vessel and minimize the impact of the launch incident. The coming weeks will be critical as engineers and technicians work to repair the damage and return the ship to service. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in naval construction and the importance of skilled execution in such endeavors.
References
- Phoenix News, Satellite Images: North Korean Destroyer Arrives at Rajin Shipyard for Repairs. Retrieved from [Insert URL from provided text here]
- KCNA (Korean Central News Agency)
- Planet Labs satellite imagery
- MAXAR satellite imagery
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