Connect with us

Business

Singapore oil trading, bunkering firm added to US sanctions list

A total of 56 shipping and trading firms have been targeted by the U.S. OFAC for doing business with North Korea.

Admin

Published

on

5a963cbab80d3 1519795386

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added a total of 56 shipping and trading firms to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list for conducting business with North Korea.

The action targets one individual, 27 entities, and 28 vessels located, registered, or flagged in North Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Tanzania, Panama, and Comoros. 

Among entities added was Singapore-based Yuk Tung Energy; the company is involved in oil trading, bunkering, and marine engineering consultancy work, according to information on its official website.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on 20 January spotted North Korean-flagged tanker Rye Song Gang 1 lying alongside Dominican-flagged 36,457 deadweight tonne (dwt) oil tanker Yuk Tung on the high sea in the East China Sea.

The vessels were “strongly” suspected of conducting ship-to-ship transfers banned by United Nations Security Council Resolution.

“Treasury is aggressively targeting all illicit avenues used by North Korea to evade sanctions, including taking decisive action to block the vessels, shipping companies, and entities across the globe that work on North Korea’s behalf,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. 

“This will significantly hinder the Kim regime’s capacity to conduct evasive maritime activities that facilitate illicit coal and fuel transports, and erode its abilities to ship goods through international waters.

“The President has made it clear to companies worldwide that if they choose to help fund North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, they will not do business with the United States.”

The following 27 entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • CHANG AN SHIPPING & TECHNOLOGY (a.k.a. CHANG AN SHIPPING AND TECHNOLOGY), Room 2105, DL1849, Trend Centre, 29-31 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, China; Company Number IMO 5938411 [DPRK4].
  • CHON MYONG SHIPPING CO (a.k.a. CHON MYONG SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED), Kalrimgil 2-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Saemaul 2-dong, Pyongchon-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5571322 [DPRK4].
  • FIRST OIL JV CO LTD, Jongbaek 1-dong, Rakrang-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5963351 [DPRK4].
  • HAPJANGGANG SHIPPING CORP, Kumsong 3-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5787684 [DPRK4].
  • HONGXIANG MARINE HONG KONG LTD, Room 1502, 15th Floor, Keen Hung Commercial Building, 80, Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China; Company Number IMO 5857588 [DPRK4].
  • HUAXIN SHIPPING HONGKONG LTD, Room 2105, Trend Centre, 29-31 Chueng Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, China; Company Number IMO 5758476 [DPRK4].
  • KINGLY WON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., Marshall Islands; Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro MH 96960, Marshall Islands; Taiwan; 8th Floor, Number 466, Section 2, Neihu Road, Taipei, Taiwan; Commercial Registry Number 90132 (Marshall Islands) [DPRK3] (Linked To: TSANG, Yung Yuan).
  • KOREA ACHIM SHIPPING CO, Sochang-dong, Chung-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5936312 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA ANSAN SHIPPING COMPANY (a.k.a. KOREA ANSAN SHPG CO), Pyongchon 1-dong, Pyongchon-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5676084 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA MYONGDOK SHIPPING CO, Chilgol 2-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5985863 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA SAMJONG SHIPPING CO, Tonghung-dong, Chung-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5954061 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA SAMMA SHPG CO (a.k.a. KOREA SAMMA SHIPPING CO), Rakrang 3-dong, Rakrang-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5145892 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA UNPHA SHIPPING & TRADING (a.k.a. KOREA UNPHA SHIPPING AND TRADING), Puksong-dong, Pyongchon-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 6005935 [DPRK4].
  • KOREA YUJONG SHIPPING CO LTD, Puksong 2-dong, Pyongchon-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5434358 [DPRK4].
  • KOTI CORP, Panama City, Panama; Company Number IMO 5982254 [DPRK4].
  • LIBERTY SHIPPING CO LTD, Room D, 3rd Floor, Thomson Commercial Building, 8-10 Thomson Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China; Company Number IMO 5513586 [DPRK4].
  • MYOHYANG SHIPPING CO, Kumsong 3-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5988369 [DPRK4].
  • PAEKMA SHIPPING CO, Care of First Oil JV Co Ltd, Jongbaek 1-dong, Rakrang-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5999479 [DPRK4].
  • PHYONGCHON SHIPPING & MARINE (a.k.a. PHYONGCHON SHIPPING AND MARINE), Otan-dong, Chung-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5878561 [DPRK4].
  • POCHON SHIPPING & MANAGEMENT (a.k.a. POCHON SHIPPING AND MANAGEMENT), Sonnae-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5990271 [DPRK4].
  • PRO-GAIN GROUP CORPORATION, 8th Floor, Number 466, Section 2, Neihu Road, Taipei, Taiwan; Le Sanalele Complex, Ground Floor, Vaea Street, Saleufi, Apia, Samoa; Taiwan; Samoa [DPRK3] (Linked To: TSANG, Yung Yuan).
  • SHANGHAI DONGFENG SHPG CO LTD, Room 601, 433, Chifeng Lu, Hongkou Qu, Shanghai 200083, China; Company Number IMO 5721069 [DPRK4].
  • SHEN ZHONG INTERNATIONAL SHPG, Unit 503, 5th Floor, Silvercord Tower 2, 30, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Company Number IMO 5604962 [DPRK4].
  • SONGWON SHIPPING & MANAGEMENT (a.k.a. SONGWON SHIPPING AND MANAGEMENT), Somun-dong, Chung-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 5990268 [DPRK4].
  • TONGHUNG SHIPPING & TRADING CO (a.k.a. TONGHUNG SHIPPING AND TRADING CO), Kinmaul-dong, Moranbong-guyok, Pyongyang, Korea, North; Company Number IMO 1991835 [DPRK4].
  • WEIHAI WORLD-SHIPPING FREIGHT, 419-201, Tongyi Lu, Huancui Qu, Weihai, Shandong 264200, China; Company Number IMO 5905801 [DPRK4].
  • YUK TUNG ENERGY PTE LTD, 17-22, UOB Plaza 2, Raffles Place 048624, Singapore; Company Number IMO 5987860 [DPRK4].

The following 28 vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • AN SAN 1 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 7303803 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA ANSAN SHIPPING COMPANY).
  • ASIA BRIDGE 1 8,015DWT; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8916580 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: HUAXIN SHIPPING HONGKONG LTD).
  • CHON MA SAN Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8660313 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA ACHIM SHIPPING CO).
  • CHON MYONG 1 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8712362 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: CHONMYONG SHIPPING CO).
  • DONG FENG 6 5,515DWT Tanzania flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9008201 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: SHANGHAI DONGFENG SHPG CO LTD).
  • HAO FAN 2 11,658DWT; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8747604 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: SHEN ZHONG INTERNATIONAL SHPG).
  • HAO FAN 6 13,500DWT; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8628597 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: SHEN ZHONG INTERNATIONAL SHPG).
  • HAP JANG GANG 6 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9066540 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: HAPJANGGANG SHIPPING CORP).
  • HUA FU 10,030DWT Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9020003 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: CHANG AN SHIPPING & TECHNOLOGY).
  • JI SONG 6 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8898740 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: PHYONGCHON SHIPPING & MARINE).
  • JI SONG 8 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8503228 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: PHYONGCHON SHIPPING & MARINE).
  • KOTI Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9417115 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOTI CORP).
  • KUM GANG 3 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8966535 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA UNPHA SHIPPING & TRADING).
  • NAM SAN 8 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8122347 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: HAPJANGGANG SHIPPING CORP).
  • ORIENTAL TREASURE 9,038DWT Comoros flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9115028 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: HONGXIANG MARINE HONG KONG LTD).
  • PAEK MA Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9066978 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: PAEKMA SHIPPING CO; Linked To: FIRST OIL JV CO LTD).
  • PO CHON Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8848276 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: POCHON SHIPPING & MANAGEMENT).
  • SAM JONG 1 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8405311 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA SAMJONG SHIPPING CO).
  • SAM JONG 2 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 7408873 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA SAMJONG SHIPPING CO).
  • SAM MA 2 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8106496 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA SAMMA SHPG CO).
  • SONG WON Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8613360 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: SONGWON SHIPPING & MANAGEMENT).
  • TONG HUNG 5 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8151415 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: TONGHUNG SHIPPING & TRADING CO).
  • WOORY STAR Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8408595 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: PHYONGCHON SHIPPING & MARINE).
  • XIN GUANG HAI 7,067DWT; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9004700 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: WEIHAI WORLD-SHIPPING FREIGHT).
  • YU JONG 2 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8604917 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA YUJONG SHIPPING CO LTD).
  • YU PHYONG 5 Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8605026 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: KOREA MYONGDOK SHIPPING CO).
  • YU SON Democratic People's Republic of Korea flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8691702 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: MYOHYANG SHIPPING CO).
  • YUK TUNG; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9030591 (vessel) [DPRK4] (Linked To: YUK TUNG ENERGY PTE LTD).

Photo credit: Ministry of Defense (Japan)
Published: 28 February, 2018

 

Continue Reading

Business

Hong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine expands ops with new Shanghai branch office

The HONG KONG E-MARINE SHANGHAI BRANCH will assist E-Marine’s head office in handling bunker trading operations and increase overall bonded bunker trading volumes at China.

Admin

Published

on

By

E Marine Shanghai office front

Hong Kong-based marine fuel and lubricant trading company Hongkong E-Marine Supply Service Corporation Limited (E-Marine) on April 15 launched a branch office in Shanghai, learned Manifold Times.

The company HONG KONG E-MARINE SHANGHAI BRANCH will assist the head office in handling bunker trading operations and increase overall bonded bunker trading volumes at China, Managing Director Darcy Wang told the bunkering publication.

“The Shanghai office serves as our China business support and coordination centre. It enables us to stay close to our customers, suppliers and business partners, while also providing access to a deep pool of industry talent,” he shared.

This development is in line the target to significantly increase our annual bonded bunkering portfolio in China to 1 million metric tonnes (mt) by 2030.

“As we continue to expand our presence in China, we welcome capable and motivated individuals who share our long-term vision to join our Shanghai office.”

E-Marine’s new Shanghai office address is as follows:

Shanghai Xuhui District
Chang Ning Road No.889
Shanghai Yang Guang Bin Jiang Center
Unit 22-13

Candidates interested in growing together with E-Marine are invited to send their CV or profile to [email protected].

E Marine Shanghai office tea cups

Related: E-Marine raising China bonded bunker trading portfolio to 1 million mt by 2030, seeks talents
RelatedHong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine obtains ISCC EU certification
RelatedHong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine introduces Global Sales & Procurement Manager
RelatedHong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine expands operations with Singapore branch
RelatedBunker and lube trading firm Hongkong E-Marine Supply Service to open Singapore branch by June

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June 2026

Continue Reading

Biofuel

BHP and GCMD trial multi-feedstock B100 bio bunker fuel on bulk carrier

Bio-blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot is being used on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier “Berge Lyngor”, which was bunkered in Singapore in early May.

Admin

Published

on

By

BHP and GCMD trial multi-feedstock B100 bio bunker fuel on bulk carrier

BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Wednesday (3 June) said they have blended biofuels from two distinct feedstocks—used cooking oil and waste animal fats —and introduced the lower-emissions marine fuel into a BHP-chartered bulk carrier as part of a pilot project.

The bio-blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot is being used on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier Berge Lyngor, owned and operated by Berge Bulk, transporting BHP iron ore from Western Australia to China. When run on bio-blend, the vessel has the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 79 per cent per voyage compared to sailing on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

The vessel bunkered in Singapore in early May with a B100 bio-blend comprising 50 percent tallow-derived biodiesel, sourced and supplied by HAMR Energy, and 50 per cent used cooking oil (UCOME) supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore (METS).

Mitsui also blended the fuel and Dan-Bunkering coordinated and executed the bunkering operation, which was performed by Global Energy’s barge MT Maple.

The BHP and GCMD pilot will assess how biofuels from multiple feedstocks can be blended, handled, and introduced under real-world operating conditions using existing used cooking oil bunkering infrastructure.

At the same time, insights from this pilot will help identify solutions to challenges related to fuel quality, handling, traceability, and onboard vessel performance.

Biofuels for global shipping today rely heavily on used cooking oil – a feedstock whose availability is approaching its projected limits. Biofuel from waste animal fats presents a promising option to expand the supply of lower-emissions marine fuels.

The outcomes of the pilot are expected to shed light on the practical steps to integrate biofuel blends from different feedstocks into existing supply chains. The diversity of biofuels will provide shipowners and operators with greater flexibility to optimise fuel procurement based on cost, availability, and lifecycle emissions performance.

Biofuels derived from different feedstocks can exhibit varying properties that may impact operations, including potential corrosion from oxidation, fuel system clogging caused by wax formation, which this pilot aims to assess.

The pilot will trace and verify the biofuel blend’s integrity aimed at bolstering confidence in emissions reductions reporting. The pilot will also provide insights into how robust tracing can support future marine fuel supply chains where biofuels from multiple feedstocks with varying lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions footprints are blended together.

This project is co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore under the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT).

 

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 3 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Biofuel

NYK starts one-year B100 bio bunker fuel trial on car carrier

In this trial, NYK will operate a car carrier continuously on B100 for one year to evaluate the impact on engines, fuel supply systems, and operational practices.

Admin

Published

on

By

NYK starts one-year B100 bio bunker fuel trial on car carrier

Japanese shipping firm NYK on Tuesday (2 June) said it has commenced a one-year long-term trial involving the continuous use of 100% biofuel (B100) on an NYK-operated car carrier. 

In this trial, NYK will operate a car carrier continuously on B100 for one year to evaluate the impact on engines, fuel supply systems, and operational practices. High-purity biofuels such as B100 are known to be susceptible to degradation from oxygen, light, and heat, raising concerns about the stability of such fuels during long-term use.

In this trial, the biofuel primarily comprises FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) derived from used cooking oil and similar feedstocks.

The initiative is designed to evaluate the fuel’s effects on the vessel’s equipment and verify operational safety under real-world conditions. 

Through this effort, NYK seeks to accumulate technical expertise that will support the broader use of high-purity biofuels and further accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

NYK has been advancing the use of biofuels through various initiatives. In 2024, the company conducted a trial using biofuel blend B24 and subsequently expanded practical usage to B30. However, the company said there remains limited global experience with the long-term continuous use of B100.

“By collecting long-term operational data through this trial, NYK aims to accumulate valuable technical insights to support both the safe operation of vessels and the wider adoption of high-purity biofuels,” it said. 

 

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 3 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending