An Australian warship has been deployed to impose United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions on North Korea.

HMAS Sydney left in late March and will be deployed for three months to sail in nearby seas off Japan and enforce sanctions against North Korea.

The sanctions restrict North Korea’s refined petroleum and crude oil imports and coal exports, which are facilitated through ship-to-ship transfers.

“We collaborate closely with the Enforcement Coordination Cell based in Yokosuka, Japan, and operate in regions where potential illegal activities are anticipated,” stated HMAS Sydney Commander Ben Weller.

“Our vessel is outfitted with an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a range of sensors that enable us to observe illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods under sanctions.”

Australia also deployed the Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon to Japan in April.

The UNSC implemented stringent sanctions on North Korea following a nuclear test on October 9, 2006, and these measures have been adjusted and expanded in response to ongoing nuclear and missile tests.

The supply, sale or transfer of all goods, except food and medicine, to North Korea is restricted unless authorised by the UNSC.

Australia adopted some of these sanctions into law and enforces them under Operation Argos, which has led to 13 deployments of navy vessels since 2018.

“Operation Argos supports the international community’s goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea,” Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said.

“Enforcing UNSC sanctions against North Korea is consistent with Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.”