UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United Nations has slapped a global port ban on four vessels found violating sanctions against North Korea, the head of an expert panel said on Monday (Oct 9) in what he described as an unprecedented move.

"There are four vessels that have been designated by the committee. The designation doesn't mean an assets freeze or travel ban. But it's a port ban," said Hugh Griffiths, coordinator of a UN Security Council panel on North Korea sanctions, adding that the ships were found "transporting prohibited goods".

"It's a pretty swift and decisive action by the committee," he continued, adding that the ban went into effect last Thursday.

Griffiths was speaking at the conclusion of a UN meeting open to all member states. A source close to the matter said the four ships were found carrying coal, seafood and iron ore, exports banned by a UN resolution brought by the US in August.

The ban was expanded last month to include textiles and North Korean guest workers, and also capped oil exports.

North Korean diplomats were present at the meeting but did not speak, according to diplomats.

According to a source, the listed ships were the Petrel 8, Hao Fan 6, Tong San 2 and Jie Shun. According to the MarineTraffic website, the first three fly the flags of Comoros, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and North Korea. The Jie Shun is not listed on the site.