MANGYONGBONG

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

North Korea asked for fuel for its ferry

North Korea has asked South Korea to provide oil to refuelthe "MAngyongbong 92", carrying its Olympics delegation. The ship arrived in the South on Feb 6, carrying a 140-strong orchestra to perform during the Winter Olympics, which begin on Friday. The vessel was also being used to accommodate the delegation. North Korea asked for oil supplies after the ship arrived and the South was reviewing the request.

Ferry allowed to enter Vladivostok

The "Man Gyong Bon" after having arrived at Vladivostok on Jan 31, remained on the outer Vladivostok roadstead for three days and was waiting for permission to enter the port. After running out of fuel the vessel was de-energized and the master was forced to issue a distress signal. Russian Border guards boarded the vessel for inspection and following the completion of the vessels registration documents, it was authorised to enter the port. A bunker tanker was then sent to fuel the vessel. However, according to the Vladivostok customs, the issues of unloading and loading cargo have yet to be resolved due to sanctions. There were 34 crew on the vessel, but no passengers.

Ferry distressed in ice off Vladivostok

The "Mangyongbong", loaded with soy, rice, flour and wheat for Radjin issued a distress signal on Feb 3, 2018, at 09.35 a.m. LT after the fuel ran out and that the ship did not have power since 1.5 days, in severe weather conditions with temperature below freezing point (-14C as of morning Feb 3). The ship was stuck in ice in the Tichaja bight off Vladivostok. While the authorities didn’t yet complete formalities, the ferry was not allowed to berth. The Coast Guard could not reach the ship to clear it for entering port, because of ice, which was preventing them from boarding. The master was demanding permission to berth immediately, because the ship and the crew of 30 were actually in distress.