More than a dozen North Korean vessels have sailed to key destinations for iron and coal in China since last month, NK Pro analysis shows, pointing to the DPRK’s active efforts to generate foreign currency through exports.

The vessels notably include four out of the six cargo ships that North Korea added to its merchant fleet last year, in a sign that they have started service. These four ships sailed from the DPRK’s main port of Nampho to the Chinese ports of Dalian and Longkou from June 17-18.

“The port of Dalian is