North Korea recently requested technical assistance from civilian companies in the Chinese city of Dalian to modernize equipment at Nampo Port.
“The Cabinet’s Ministry of Land and Maritime Transportation and Nampo Port officially requested cooperation from Dalian civilian companies early this month, asking them to share advanced technology and operational experience. The Chinese company responded on May 11 that the two sides should hold working-level talks in June,” a Daily NK source in Nampo said recently.
“Authorities are coordinating with Chinese companies to send a delegation for technical exchange and cooperation to China in the second half of the year.”
An “exchange” in name only
North Korea has gradually expanded its roll-on/roll-off and oil storage capabilities since 2024, installing new mid-sized cranes and oil storage tanks. However, the country still faces technological limitations in operating Nampo as a port complex due to low automation levels and outdated processing equipment.
North Korea approached two Chinese machinery companies for technical cooperation; both have previously conducted small-scale equipment deals with North Korean trade delegations operating in China under the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transportation.
While North Korea and China call this arrangement an “exchange,” with a North Korean delegation traveling to China to obtain equipment blueprints, part specifications and operational procedures, the transaction more closely resembles an unofficial technology transfer.
The core of the cooperation involves introducing automated loading and unloading equipment and constructing small-scale processing modules. Through this, Nampo Port aims to develop the capability to quickly handle large cargo volumes and store and conduct primary refining of imported oil. This appears to align with North Korean authorities’ vision of transforming Nampo into a comprehensive port complex handling both cargo and energy.
“Developing and implementing a detailed working-level plan to make Nampo Port a world-class advanced port complex has been designated as a key task of the Eighth Party Congress,” the source said. “The latest exchange between North Korea and China is part of this effort, with working-level officials from the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transportation and Nampo Port collaborating on it.”
“The Cabinet, which wants to make Nampo a leading Yellow Sea port, has issued an internal directive to complete advanced technology adoption by year-end,” the source said. “Officials in related sectors have such high expectations for this deal that they say national trade will only survive if Nampo Port develops.”
A mutually beneficial deal
The Chinese companies also expect to benefit from the arrangement. “The fact that Dalian companies sent cost estimates and examined equipment supply possibilities was shared during internal meetings,” the source said. “The Chinese side must also be trying to secure stable clients.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for lifting international sanctions on North Korea in a joint statement issued during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
The Chinese government has recently appeared willing to tacitly approve cooperation between regional civilian companies and North Korea, which seems to explain why this deal to modernize Nampo’s port equipment materialized.
