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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.
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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
 

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Yang Ming orders six LNG dual-fuel, ammonia-ready containerships from Hanwha Ocean

Each of the six new vessels will have a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU and feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion and Ammonia Fuel Ready specifications.
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Yang Ming orders six LNG dual-fuel, ammonia-ready containerships from Hanwha Ocean

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean on Wednesday (2 September) signed a shipbuilding contract for six 13,000 TEU class LNG dual-fuel container vessels. 

The contract was signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. 

They will complement Yang Ming’s existing fleet of 10,000+ TEU vessels and serve as key vessels on East-West services, with deployment flexibility across trade lanes connecting Asia with the East and West Coasts of North America, South America, and the Mediterranean. 

Each of the six new vessels will have a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU and feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion and Ammonia Fuel Ready specifications.

“As Yang Ming transitions toward net-zero emissions, LNG provides a relatively mature and economically viable alternative fuel solution, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%,” the company said. 

“At the same time, ammonia can serve as a carbon-free fuel by utilising converted LNG storage facilities, while offering relatively lower conversion costs and comparatively well-developed supply chains and infrastructure. The Ammonia Fuel Ready design will therefore provide Yang Ming with greater flexibility in responding to increasingly stringent international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.”

In addition, the vessels will be equipped with Type B LNG fuel tanks with a design pressure of 1.0 bar to enhance the safety and efficiency of LNG operations, together with a range of energy-saving technologies, including Wind Shields, Rudder Bulbs, Pre-Swirl Stators, and Shore Power Systems. Smart ship technologies and cybersecurity protection features will also be incorporated to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability while effectively reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Deliveries under Yang Ming’s next-generation fleet optimization plan commenced earlier this year. By 2030, a total of 24 new vessels are expected to enter service. 

This includes 18 LNG dual-fuel vessels—comprising five 15,500 TEU, seven 16,000 TEU, and the six 13,000 TEU vessels under this contract—alongside six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready ships. 

 

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport
Published: 4 September, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

LR, China’s MARIC unveil tanker concept ready for three future bunker fuels

Both secured AiP for a new 114,000 DWT product and crude oil tanker designed to accommodate future conversion to LNG, methanol or ammonia.
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LR, China’s MARIC unveil tanker concept ready for three future bunker fuels

Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC) on Thursday (3 September) have secured Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new 114,000 DWT product and crude oil tanker designed to accommodate future conversion to LNG, methanol or ammonia.

Announced at SMM 2026, the concept addresses one of the biggest investment challenges facing shipping today: the need to develop vessels and capabilities that can support a range of alternative fuel options and pathways as technologies, infrastructure and regulations evolve.

While LNG is already a mature fuel pathway, methanol and ammonia remain at an earlier stage of development, with questions around global fuel availability, infrastructure development, economics and long-term adoption.

The 114,000 DWT tanker concept has been designed as a product and crude oil carrier that can accommodate future conversion to LNG, methanol or ammonia as technologies, regulations and fuel supply chains mature. By incorporating conversion readiness at the design stage, the concept aims to reduce future retrofit complexity and provide owners with greater confidence when planning long-term fleet investments.

The design concept was reviewed against LR’s July 2026 class rules and regulations, including requirements relating to ships using gases and other low-flashpoint fuels, alongside relevant IACS Common Structural Rules for oil tankers. Final classification and statutory approval remain subject to full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Theo Kourmpelis, Global Business Director for Tankers, Lloyd’s Register, said: “Shipowners are being asked to make major investment decisions today despite continued uncertainty around which fuels will dominate in the decades ahead. Alternative fuel solutions each offer potential pathways to compliance, but fuel infrastructure, regulation and economics continue to evolve at different speeds around the world.

“Designs that preserve flexibility will be critical in helping owners manage risk while preparing for multiple future scenarios.”

Si Nan, Marine & Offshore Marketing Department Vice Director, MARIC, said: “As the industry explores different decarbonisation pathways, shipowners need vessel designs that can adapt alongside technological and regulatory developments. This concept was developed specifically to provide greater fuel flexibility and long-term resilience, allowing owners to respond to changing market requirements without being locked into a single fuel strategy.

“Receiving Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register is an important milestone that validates the design concept and supports its future development.”

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 September, 2026

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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders hit highest monthly level since October 2024

LNG-fuelled vessels accounted for the vast majority of August activity while the strong summer performance marked a significant acceleration in ordering activity after a relatively slow start to the year.
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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders hit highest monthly level since October 2024

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform alternative-fuelled vessel ordering was strong in August, with 52 new vessels added to the platform.

This is the highest monthly total since October 2024 and follows another active month in July, when 47 vessels were added to the database.

LNG-fuelled vessels accounted for the vast majority of August activity, with 46 orders recorded. The container segment led the way with 30 orders, while the car carrier segment contributed a further 12 LNG-fuelled vessels. In addition, four ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers and two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers were added during the month, as well as one LNG bunker vessel.

The strong summer performance marked a significant acceleration in ordering activity after a relatively slow start to the year. In total, 242 alternative-fuelled vessel orders have been placed in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 27% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

LNG remains the dominant fuel choice, accounting for 63% of all alternative-fuelled vessel orders registered so far this year. Container vessels represent the largest share of these LNG orders (59%), followed by car carriers (30%).

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “The past two months have been particularly strong for alternative-fuelled vessel ordering, with August recording the highest monthly total we’ve seen since October 2024. This has helped lift year-to-date orders to a level well above the same period last year.

“LNG remains the leading fuel choice, driven largely by activity in the container and car carrier segments. These sectors have been among the earliest adopters of alternative fuels, supported by predictable liner operations and increasing demand from cargo owners to reduce emissions across supply chains. 

“For many owners, LNG offers a combination of emissions reductions, fuel availability and future flexibility while the longer-term fuel landscape continues to evolve. 

“At the same time, the latest figures include orders for ethanol- and hydrogen-fuelled vessels, highlighting that owners continue to explore a range of decarbonization pathways. Different segments are making different fuel choices, but the overall level of activity demonstrates continued investment in lower-emission shipping.”

Screenshot 2026 09 04 at 12.29.26 PM Screenshot 2026 09 04 at 12.29.36 PM

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 4 September, 2026

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