The US has issued fresh sanctions against six North Korean shipowners and 20 of their vessels.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the intention is to disrupt North Korea's "illicit funding of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs."
Any property or interests in property within US jurisdiction are now blocked.
The shipowners are Korea Rungrado Shipping, Korea Rungrado Ryongak Trading, Yusong Shipping Company, Dawn Marine Management, Korea Daebong Shipping Company and Korea Kumbyol Trading Company.
