Sinpho South Shipyard: The Sinpo-C SSB Repositioned in Drydock During Extended Stay
Recent commercial satellite imagery of North Korea’s Sinpho South Shipyard reveals that the newest ballistic missile class submarine (SSB), the Sinpo-C (also called the Hero Kim Kun Ok), has been repositioned to the front of the drydock—immediately adjacent to the inflow gate—and covered by a protective structure. While the exact reason for this movement is unclear, the activity suggests the vessel will continue to remain in the drydock for an extended fitting-out period.
The Drydock
The Sinpo-C class SSB—unveiled in early September 2023—was immediately moved into the shipyard’s secure boat basin after its launch, sharing the basin with North Korea’s first SSB, the experimental Sinpo-B, Gorae. It remained under the protective awning in the basin, away from view. The Sinpo-C was moved into the drydock in mid-May 2024, positioned at the dock’s north end. From May 18 through July 8, a portal jib was seen actively working over the submarine. However, by July 19, the vessel had been shielded from view by a protective covering, either to obscure view of the ongoing work or to protect workers from the elements.
On imagery from December 1, the Sinpo-C and its protective covering had moved to the south end of the drydock, close to the inflow gate. It is unclear when exactly this movement took place between November 12 and December 1.
Other activity around the drydock includes the refurbishment of the inflow gate control building—which has been ongoing since late October 2024—and the installation of 30 posts along the west wall of the drydock, whose purpose may be used for the installation of a covering across the entire width of the drydock. It remains to be seen how long the Sinpo-C remains berthed at the south end of the drydock. It is possible the movement is temporary, allowing for the construction of a more secure base structure towards the back of the drydock. Regardless of the purpose, the submarine’s movement within the drydock—and not its removal—suggests that the vessel will remain in the drydock in the near term.
On imagery from December 6—again on December 12—the drydock was partially filled with water, covering portions of the concealment apparatus. It is unclear whether this was intentional flooding of the dock or a mechanical issue with the gate.
Construction Hall Materials Staging Area
Imagery from December 6 also reveals new submarine hull components in the materials staging area, each measuring eight meters in diameter. Components such as these were also reported on imagery from April 27, 2024, indicating ongoing construction of a new submarine in the same class as the Hero Kim Kun Ok SSB.
L-Shaped Pier
Imagery from early December also indicates construction work continues to extend the L-shaped pier located at the western end of the shipyard.
