North Korea-flagged tankers have “rapidly” conducted ship-to-ship transfers outside Nampho and then reentered the port, apparently skipping lengthy COVID-19 quarantine protocols, a forthcoming U.N. Panel of Experts report seen by NK Pro shows.

According to imagery that an unnamed member stated provided to the Panel, the ships deliver oil directly to the west coast port, exit Nampho’s lock gates and then return just days later with more fuel. 

The practice appears inconsistent with the DPRK’s COVID-19 precautions for other cargo: Authorities have quarantined even consumer goods for weeks or months outside Nampho