Seoul, South Korea – In a recent development, the registration information of 13 submarines registered by North Korea with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been deleted. The deletion of this information, including details of North Korea’s previously registered vessels, has sparked speculation that it may have been at the request of the North Korean government.
According to a report by Voice of America (VOA), the 13 submarines were newly registered by North Korea on the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). Each submarine was assigned an identification number. However, following the release of related reports on August 28, the information about these 13 submarines was deleted, along with details of North Korea’s previously registered vessels, which were removed on August 29.
The IMO has stated that member states can request updates to their information on GISIS. This statement may imply that the deletion of the information was at the request of the North Korean government.
The International Maritime Organization assigns identification numbers to ships to ensure maritime safety and prevent pollution and fraud. Some analysts speculate that North Korea’s decision to register its submarines on GISIS for the first time may have been due to considerations for joint exercises in the East China Sea or the Russian Sea.
North Korea has a history of developing and deploying submarines. In September 2023, the state-run news agency, KCNA, reported that North Korea had built its first submarine capable of conducting nuclear attacks, the Kim Jong-yong Hero. The submarine, which was launched on August 6, 2024, has been a source of concern for neighboring countries and international observers.
The deletion of North Korea’s submarine registration information from GISIS raises questions about the country’s intentions and the potential implications for regional and international security. North Korea’s submarine program has been a subject of scrutiny due to its potential to enhance the country’s military capabilities and contribute to its nuclear ambitions.
The North Korean government has a history of restricting information about its military capabilities, including submarine operations. The deletion of the registration information may be an attempt to further conceal the country’s military activities and prevent international monitoring.
The international community has expressed concern about North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The deletion of the submarine registration information may be seen as part of a broader strategy to maintain secrecy and evade international scrutiny.
In conclusion, the deletion of North Korea’s submarine registration information from the International Maritime Organization’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System raises questions about the country’s intentions and the potential implications for regional and international security. As the international community continues to monitor North Korea’s military activities, the deletion of this information serves as a reminder of the challenges in assessing and understanding the intentions of one of the world’s most secretive nations.
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