SUNRISE 1

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Freighter sanctioned for illegal trade of North Korean goods

The Seoul authorities have sanctioned the 'Sunrise 1' for illegal trade of North Korean goods. They said that the unflagged ‘Sunrise 1’ had transported 5,020 tons of North Korean iron ore in violation of UN sanctions. South Korea has designated a Hong Kong-based shipping company, its operators, the “Sunrise 1” and its Russian consignor, under unilateral sanctions for their involvement in trading prohibited North Korean goods, the government announced on April 10, 2025. According to Seoul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the 'Sunrise 1' is owned by the Xiangrui (Xiang Rui) Shipping Co Ltd,, a shipping company based in Hong Kong. The sanctions were related to an incident that happened in June 2024, when South Korean authorities detained the 'Sunrise 1' in their territorial waters. Upon inspection, they found that it was carrying 5,020 tons of iron ore. According to South Korea, the ship had recently departed from North Korea's Chongjin port. UN Security Council resolutions ban such trade with Pyongyang. Russian company Consul DV was listed as the sender of the cargo. South Korean authorities conducted an investigation into the matter. As a result of the sanctions, South Korean companies must now receive permission from the authorities of the Republic of Korea to do business with the individuals and legal entities named. The 'Sunrise 1' must also gain permission to enter a South Korean port.