UN slaps port bans on ships violating North Korea sanctions

In August, a UN resolution banned exports of coal, seafood and iron ore from North Korea.

The United Nations has banned four ships from visiting any global port, after they were found violating sanctions imposed on North Korea, the media reported.

Sanctions were expanded last month in response to Pyongyang’s sixth and largest nuclear test yet, to include the export of textiles and North Korean guest workers, as well as a cap on oil imports. (AFP File Photo)

Hugh Griffiths, co-ordinator of a UN panel on North Korean sanctions, on Monday night described the move as unprecedented, reports the BBC.

The ships were reportedly the Petrel 8, Hao Fan 6, Tong San 2 and Jie Shun.

Graphic showing the latest know positions of four ships banned from port entry by a UN sanctions panel on North Korea. (AFP Photo)

According to the MarineTraffic website, a maritime database that monitors the movement of vessels, Petrel 8 is registered in Comoros, Hao Fan 6 in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tong San 2 in North Korea. The registered country of Jie Shun was not listed.

Griffiths said the ships were found “transporting prohibited goods”.

The ban was announced following a UN meeting earlier on Monday.

In August, a UN resolution banned exports of coal, seafood and iron ore from North Korea, reports the BBC.

Sanctions were expanded last month in response to Pyongyang’s sixth and largest nuclear test yet, to include the export of textiles and North Korean guest workers, as well as a cap on oil imports.