Two South Korean vessels have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded there for months due to the Middle East conflict, as confirmed by the oceans ministry. These vessels, operated by South Korean shipping companies, were part of the 26 South Korea-related vessels stuck in the strait following Iran’s blockage of shipping routes in late February amidst tensions with the United States and Israel. While the first two ships were assisted by Iran to pass through during the conflict, the rest have been gradually leaving the area after a ceasefire agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran.
The recent passage has left three South Korea-related vessels, including the HMM Namu, still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The HMM Namu suffered damage from Iranian-linked missile attacks and is currently undergoing repairs at a port in Dubai. Although four South Korean crew members were on the two vessels that cleared the strait, neither ship is heading back to South Korea. Presently, a total of 43 South Korean crew members, including those on South Korean and foreign-flagged ships, remain stranded in the strait, as reported by the ministry.
The oceans ministry has been actively monitoring the situation in real-time and offering diplomatic and navigation support, in collaboration with the foreign ministry, to ensure the safe passage of ships through the waterway. In other news, South Korea has recently adjusted price ceilings on fuel products to align with the drop in global crude oil prices. The finance minister has also pledged to maintain stable electricity and gas rates in the latter half of the year to help control inflation, with the cap system set to continue until consumer prices stabilize completely.
