Satellite Photos Show North Korea Expanding Major Seaport

New satellite imagery suggests North Korea is expanding a key port, with analysts pointing to recent additions that could increase the site’s capacity to import oil and receive naval vessels, according to an analysis by 38 North, a program of the Stimson Center think tank.

Newsweek reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Nampho, North Korea’s largest commercial port, is situated on the west coast and serves as a key gateway to China and other parts of Asia. Substantial amounts of fossil fuel and commercial goods are known to come and go at the site, which is also equipped to construct and repair vessels, including warships.

The new images, taken from the Airbus Defense and Space satellite images, come just weeks after state broadcaster Korean Central Television released photos confirming assessments the Kim regime has been constructing its largest-ever warship at the port.

What To Know

Among the most notable new structures at the site is a shipbuilding hall whose roof was finished in November. Progress has been made on several nearby buildings, 38 North pointed out, though their function has not been determined.

Work to fill in what was previously a secure boat basin, or walled-in area for mooring or sheltering boats, seems nearly finished, which the analysts noted creates space for additional development.

New piers can be seen extending from wharves in a boost to docking capacity. Construction has finished on four tanks for housing petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL), with what appears to be two bases for another two tanks already.

Meanwhile, a higher level of activity was observed at the commercial container port compared to previous photos from November and September.

What People Are Saying

Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defense and military analysis, wrote for the International Institute for Strategic Studies in January: “Official statements by North Korea in recent years have placed greater emphasis on developing the country’s shipbuilding industry in conjunction with strengthening naval forces, including references to procuring larger warships.

“Though the need for widespread modernization is apparent, the rationale for investing in large surface combatants is more questionable, as North Korea demonstrates little requirement or ambition for naval power projection or the creation of a credible blue-water capability.”

What Happens Next

The port expansion could accelerate the country’s capacity to import energy in defiance of the United Nations aimed at hampering the country’s nuclear weapons program.

The country brought in more than threefold the 500,000-barrel cap on refined petroleum in 2023, according to estimates by the U.N.’s now-defunct panel of experts tasked with monitoring sanctions enforcement.