Four more Korean-operated vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. This follows a de-escalation in tensions after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a truce.
The four ships, carrying a total of 26 Korean crew members, are now proceeding with their voyages. One vessel is headed to Korea, while the others are en route to different countries. This transit reduces the number of Korean vessels waiting within the Strait of Hormuz to 18.
In total, there are now 108 Korean nationals remaining in the Strait of Hormuz, comprising 75 crew members on Korean-flagged ships and 33 on foreign vessels. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated that it is providing support for safe navigation through real-time monitoring and information sharing.
This latest passage marks the second group of Korean ships to navigate the Strait since the truce MOU was signed. Two vessels transited on June 22, two days after the MOU was agreed upon. Previously, on May 11, an LNG carrier passed through the Strait, and on April 20, the supertanker 'Universal Winner' carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil was the first Korean vessel to transit since the conflict began.
The ministry indicated that the remaining 18 Korean vessels, excluding one currently undergoing repairs, are preparing for transit in coordination with relevant countries and based on their own operational plans. The ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is continuing to support safe passage for these remaining ships.