UN sanctions monitoring patrols observe vessels of interest, possible ship-to-ship transfer

New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has concluded a series of maritime patrols over international waters in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, monitoring North Korean evasion of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.

28 April, 2026

Patrols conducted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft observed a possible ship-to-ship transfer of illicit goods, reported 35 vessels of interest and broadcast eight deterrence messages.

The NZDF has been contributing to international efforts to detect sanctions evasions by North Korea – including with maritime patrols by air and sea – since 2018.

New Zealand is a member of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange, a partnership of nations working together to detect evasions of UN sanctions which are aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Maritime patrols report vessels suspected of trafficking refined petroleum to North Korea and exporting commodities such as coal, iron ore and sand used to fund North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile production.

Suspected sanctions evasions are reported to the UN, and diplomatic channels are also used to raise concerns with the flag states of vessels.

The completed patrols by the P-8A were conducted in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, where evasions of UN sanctions by North Korea occur.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott says the NZDF provides an important contribution to the multi-national efforts to monitor the UNSC resolutions against illicit ship-to-ship transfers.

“The evidence captured of activities that were occurring in the East China and Yellow seas allows authorities to take action against ships that may still be operating in contravention of this resolution,” he said.