The Panamanian Maritime Authority says it started the process for taking away registration for two vessels that were alleged to be taking part in smuggling to North Korea.
The world's largest ship registry says it has begun the cancellation process for the 27,377-dwt Orient Shenyu (built 2009).
The Orient Shenyu is on a list of 10 vessels that the US has asked to have blacklisted over transporting goods to North Korea.
Equasis lists the Orient Shenyu's registered owner as Zhejiang-based Ningbo Shenyu Shipping. Overseas Marine Certification Services is listed as the ship's classification society.
The registry also began the cancellation process for the 8,008-dwt Koti (built 2008), which is being held by South Korean authorities in a port near the city of Pyeongtaek.
The vessel was detained after being suspected of supplying oil to North Korea, in violation of international sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
The ship's registered owner is Koti Corp. Bureau Veritas is listed as the classification society. The West of England Shipowners is listed as providing protection and indemnity coverage for the ship.
The Panamanian Maritime Authority said it will continue to prevent the use of the registry by companies and or owners under the control of North Korea.
Clarification: West of England Shipowners said in a statement they were reinsurer for the Koti's primary insurer.All cover ceased when the vessel traded in breach of sanctions and both the reinsurer and primary insurer terminated cover as soon as they became aware of the Koti's activity.
