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A number of sanctioned North Korean oil tankers, the 'Song Won 2' (IMO: 8312497), 'An San 1' (IMO: 7303803), 'Kum Jin Gang 3' and 'Sin Phyong 9' (IMO: 8916293). have been openly transmitting AIS signals in Chinese waters in July 2025, despite U.N. resolution requiring Beijing to seize and inspect the vessels, as China and Russia were ignoring illicit DPRK activity. The latter three have also frequented an oil pier at Russia’s Vostochny Port, the DPRK tankers’ main destination for fuel runs, in the past. The vessels were underway presumably for fuel pickups. The four ships were under U.N. sanctions. A fifth vessel, the 'Chong Ryong San', was not subject to U.N. sanctions, but the now-disbanded U.N. Panel of Experts previously reported on the tanker illegally shuttling petroleum products to North Korea’s main port of Nampho and conducting illicit ship-to-ship transfers. The vessel, as it is not registered with the International Maritime Organization and thus lacks an IMO number.

The long-standing issue of the deteriorating 'Tulele' at the Buka Wharf in Bougainville has once again resurfaced in the Bougainville House of Representatives, raising serious concerns over safety and accountability. The vessel, which was brought into Bougainville with the intention of servicing Nissan and the Atolls constituencies, is now visibly tilting and deteriorating in the Buka Passage. Members have warned it could become an environmental and maritime disaster if not urgently removed. The 'Tulele' was purchased by the previous Autonomous Bougainville Government for K1 million from Korea, despite its original value of K9 million. It was meant to boost sea transport in remote areas. However, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) deemed the ship unseaworthy shortly after its arrival and grounded it. The vessel has remained docked since, sinking slowly and accumulating more than K1 million in berthing fees. The ownership company, Bou & Ko (a joint Bougainville-Korea venture), has failed to take responsibility for the vessel’s condition or its removal. The issue has drawn in multiple agencies, including NMSA, PNG Customs, and PNG Ports, complicating efforts to address the situation. Legal constraints are further slowing the ABG’s ability to act decisively. With growing fears over public safety, pressure was mounting for all responsible authorities to resolve the matter and ensure the MV Tulele is removed before disaster strikes. Report with photo: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/sinking-ship-sparks-political-blame-game-in-bougainville/

A number of sanctioned North Korean oil tankers, the 'Song Won 2' (IMO: 8312497), 'An San 1', 'Kum Jin Gang 3' (IMO: 8791667) and 'Sin Phyong 9' (IMO: 8916293). have been openly transmitting AIS signals in Chinese waters in July 2025, despite U.N. resolution requiring Beijing to seize and inspect the vessels, as China and Russia were ignoring illicit DPRK activity. The latter three have also frequented an oil pier at Russia’s Vostochny Port, the DPRK tankers’ main destination for fuel runs, in the past. The vessels were underway presumably for fuel pickups. The four ships were under U.N. sanctions. A fifth vessel, the 'Chong Ryong San', was not subject to U.N. sanctions, but the now-disbanded U.N. Panel of Experts previously reported on the tanker illegally shuttling petroleum products to North Korea’s main port of Nampho and conducting illicit ship-to-ship transfers. The vessel, as it is not registered with the International Maritime Organization and thus lacks an IMO number.

The FBI was investigating sexual assault allegations on the 'Carnival Breeze'. The alleged sexual assault incident took place onboard the ship on a cruise that returned to Galveston on July 28, 2025. As is customary with crimes aboard a cruise ship, an FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, was coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise line regarding the incident, also keeping in line with case reviews or open investigations, The cruise was four days and made a stop in Cozumel.

A number of sanctioned North Korean oil tankers, the 'Song Won 2', 'An San 1' (IMO: 7303803), 'Kum Jin Gang 3' (IMO: 8791667) and 'Sin Phyong 9' (IMO: 8916293). have been openly transmitting AIS signals in Chinese waters in July 2025, despite U.N. resolution requiring Beijing to seize and inspect the vessels, as China and Russia were ignoring illicit DPRK activity. The latter three have also frequented an oil pier at Russia’s Vostochny Port, the DPRK tankers’ main destination for fuel runs, in the past. The vessels were underway presumably for fuel pickups. The four ships were under U.N. sanctions. A fifth vessel, the 'Chong Ryong San', was not subject to U.N. sanctions, but the now-disbanded U.N. Panel of Experts previously reported on the tanker illegally shuttling petroleum products to North Korea’s main port of Nampho and conducting illicit ship-to-ship transfers. The vessel, as it is not registered with the International Maritime Organization and thus lacks an IMO number.