Quick Take: Chongjin Destroyer Recovery Efforts Continue

On May 21, North Korea attempted to launch the second destroyer in its new Choe Hyon Class at Chongjin Port. As reported in North Korean State media, the side-launch resulted in a “serious accident,” due to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness”. Specifically, the stern hit the water first, leaving the ship’s bow hung up on the launch way. Further exacerbating the incident were openings in the unfinished deck of the vessel which allowed water to pour into its interior compartments as the ship laid on its side in the water. Kim Jong Un set a June deadline for the restoration of the vessel, and commercial satellite imagery indicates that swift efforts to remove the ship from the water are underway.

On imagery from May 29, over 30 probable barrage balloons have been positioned alongside the vessel to help lift and/or keep the vessel afloat. Another five were on the quay. In addition, cables are attached to to the ship, tethering it to stabilize its position.

Two nearby support vessels are pumping water out of the ship, in efforts to float the destroyer and remove its bow from the launch mechanism. On land, dollies have been pulled back to the building ways. These dollies had been used to move the ship to the launch mechanism, where levers were inserted to raise the vessel for the actual launch.

In addition, the channel providing sole access to the inner harbor is being dredged, an action necessary due to built-up silt. This area must be cleared to allow for the eventual departure of the new destroyer.

These efforts indicate progress from immediately after the incident. Imagery from May 22 indicated the blue tarp was placed over the majority of the vessel, particularly over the forward half of the ship, concealing remnants of the launch mechanism that did not separate during the launch attempt and likely to help obstruct analysis of the cause of the failure and severity of the damage to the vessel.

Several cranes were tethered to the ship at that time, likely restraining it from slipping into the water and flooding completely.

At the building ways, new hull plates are visible, although material is covering other portions of the construction activity.