A North Korean ro-pax banned by Japan is to start a new service to Russia's far east.
The Asahi Shimbun daily reported that the 9,700-gt Man Gyon Bong-92 (built 1992) will head to Vladivostok from Rajin on 8 May, according to Investstroytrest, the Russian company behind the venture.
Six voyages per month are planned.
Tourists and migrant workers will be able to use the vessel, while it will carry grain, marine products and other goods.
Chinese tourists are likely to make up 60% of passengers.
The vessel's visits to Japan were halted in 2006 as a result of sanctions after North Korean missile tests.
