Why are vessel sanctions imposed?

Australia has imposed sanctions on vessels in response to situations of international concern, including in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to increase pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply with its nonproliferation obligations.
 

What vessels are sanctioned?

A list of vessels which have been designated as sanctioned vessels can be found on the Consolidated List page

Additionally, all vessels which fall within the DPRK vessel class are also designated as sanctioned vessels. This includes all vessels entitled to fly the flag of or registered in the DPRK, as well as other vessels connected to the DPRK. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) sanctions framework includes details on DPRK vessel restrictions.
 

What is the effect of a vessel sanction?

Designating a vessel or class of vessels as sanctioned vessels has the following effects:

• The Minister may direct a sanctioned vessel to leave Australia by a designated route, or not to enter a specific port or any port in Australia. It is an offence not to comply with that direction.
• Additionally, if a vessel does not comply with that direction, the vessel is forfeited to the Commonwealth.

Note that sanctioned vessels may also be subject to other sanctions; for example, a vessel may be both a sanctioned vessel and a sanctioned asset.

Relevant legislation

The relevant legislation for the sanctioned vessels framework includes the following:

• Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011
• Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011
• Autonomous Sanctions (Classes of Sanctioned Vessels – Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Designation 2017 - Federal Register of Legislation
• Autonomous Sanctions (Sanctioned Vessels – Russia) Designation 2025 - Federal Register of Legislation.